Bsix College students told: "aim high"

In the continued fight to empower the next generation of leaders and captains of industry, OBV held an event for students at BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College in Hackney earlier this month.

'Empowering a new Generation' had the aim of empowering and engaging around 100 young people aged 16-18 years old in the areas of education, employment and civic partnership.

OBV invited a number of speakers from different fields of employment to talk about their journey in their chosen occupations and advise about following in their footsteps.

Also in attendance was celebrated American hip-hop singer and poet Gina Loring, who delighted the audience with her hard-hitting poetry and empowering speech.

Loring said,

We, as a people of colour, need to remember that it's important for all of us to come together. People of colour make up the majority of the world; we are not a minority and need to stop seeing ourselves as being small because together we are big. Just remember that in your mind.

The event was chaired by OBV director Simon Woolley, who told the audience,

I hope there's a prime minister amongst you or the next editor of the Guardian. We need to start aiming high! Forget about the deputy job, go for the top job. I don't care where you come from, I don't care where you started. I want you to aim high.

Former Young Mayor of Lewisham Jacob Sakil added,

I want you all to remember, your life is in your hands, and as much as people are able to dictate or push you in certain paths in life, you have the ability to say yes or no and the ability to guide yourself.

Click here to see the highlights of the event. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZxVQ26h47I