Knife Crime in Black Communities: Racism or Culture?

Knife crime among young black men in the UK remains a highly sensitive topic.In this episode of The Flip Side, Inaya Folarin Iman hosts a heated and thought-provoking discussion with three guests who bring very different perspectives and experiences:

-Sheldon Thomas – former gang member and founder of Gangs Line Foundation Trust-Festus Akinbusoye – businessman and former Police and Crime Commissioner-Luke Gittos – criminal lawyer and director of Freedom Law ClinicTogether, they debate why young black men are disproportionately both victims and perpetrators of knife crime, and whether the root causes lie in systemic racism, cultural influences like drill music, absent fathers and family breakdown, or broader social and economic factors. They also confront uncomfortable questions about whether focusing on racism risks disempowering young black men, and if personal responsibility can truly overcome deeply entrenched social barriers.About us:The Equiano Project, founded in August 2020 by Inaya Folarin Iman, is a debate, discussion, and ideas forum. We facilitate conversations about and promote the values of freedom, common humanity, and universalism.Join our supporters – click the link to donate to our work!https://www.theequianoproject.com/donateConnect with The Equiano Project: https://x.com/EquianoProject https://www.facebook.com/TheEquianoProjecthttps://www.instagram.com/theequianoprojecthttps://theequianoproject.substack.com