Youth worker Chris Preddie has switched from gangster to inspirational speaker and is being awarded with an OBE. So why isn’t everybody happy for him? Christine Eccleston investigates.
“My mum used to say, if I keep hanging about with people who I know are doing wrong, then I must be a follower.”
Chris Preddie has become one of the youngest recipients of this year’s OBE, as recognition for his outstanding contribution to youth work. Chris Preddie received this award for reaching out to the younger generation, inspiring them to make the right choices.
A younger Chris Preddie was brought up on a council estate in north London with his mum and two sisters. His mum worked three jobs to assure that her children had food on their plates and clothes on their backs.
But despite his mother’s best efforts, Chris associated with gangs. After the death of his half-brother Andrew, who was shot four days after Preddies’ 16th birthday, Chris then turned his life around, proving that the streets were not the path to a successful future.
At the age of 17, Chris began working as a volunteer in a youth centre. He then took it that one step further, making speeches in schools and youth centres. By telling them his own experiences of associating with gangs, he inspired many young people to be leaders instead of followers.
Sound like a perfect role model? Well not everybody thinks so.
Chris is a cousin of brothers Ricky and Danny Preddie, who were convicted of manslaughter after killing 10-year-old Damilola Taylor in 2000. When Richard Taylor, Damilola’s father, heard of Chris Preddie receiving the OBE, Richard claimed that he was totally against it, stating that it was wrong for Chris to be honoured with such a prestigious award. “There should be stricter rules! He is the cousin of the killers of my son.”
Chris responded in an article in The Guardian, saying, “I’m sorry for that family, but I can only be accountable for my actions, that’s all any of us can do. I think what I’m here for is to do good.” Chris added, “My name is what was given to me at birth, the first time I met my cousins was at my brothers funeral, I never new them.”
Chris also stressed that, although he’d made mistakes in associating with gangs as a youth, he’d avoided the more hardcore elements of street crime. “There were friends who had fights when other crews came into the area,” he told The Guardian. “I was around it, but I never really got involved.” He confessed that he dabbled with a bit of weed here and there, but was never a crack or heroine dealer.
So does he deserve this award? He’s had his ups and downs being involved with gangs and drugs, but he has turned his life around and that’s a big enough achievement. So why not celebrate it? It’s hard enough for youths to get out of gangs, but it’s even harder to avoid them in the first place when there are gangs in every borough.
Chris was able to turn his experiences into inspirational speeches for the youth. He admitted to his mistakes, but learning from them is what determines whether you’re a good or bad person. Therefore Chris Preddie deserves this award for being a role model for young people in London.
This Thursday, Chris Preddie receives his OBE award courtesy of the Prime Minister and the Queen, for turning his life around and making a difference while doing so. One step at a time.
For more information check out the Guardian’s article here.
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