Youth Reactions to Project

The young people were sensitive and well-informed interviewers, enthused by learning first-hand about black people’s contribution to recent history. They appreciated how the armed forces offered opportunities for men and women to travel the world, improve education opportunities and learn a trade.

They believe that those positive career opportunities are still relevant today. However, they feel that schools should take a stronger role in teaching about the contributions that black and other minority ethnic communities have made to British and US armed forces in past and present conflicts.

The young women empathised with the women World War II veterans and recognised that they too would have signed up in similar circumstances. They also advocated greater promotion of women’s contributions.

The veterans’ interviews triggered wider debates about the cause and validity of different international conflicts, as well as discussion on racial conflict. They concluded that more exploration of ‘race’, identity and minority ethnic communities’ contribution to UK life will help reduce racial tension.