The politics of black youth workers in Leeds

Abstract

This paper examines the city Council's development of community educa tion, youth and community work in the main area of black settlement in Leeds (Harehills and Chapeltown). It argues that the particular problem of racism in a context of economic decline has resulted in a high degree of political activity, ranging, from reformism to uprising, by the black popula tions and their white supporters in this area. The council 's policy is seen as a pragmatic resonse to these political mobilisations. The specific strategy of appointing local black people to undertake youth and community work is examined in some detail. It is argued that the emergence of organic youth workers carries with it several problems, as youth workers are encouraged to become the council's community representatives, while at the same time contributing to a new layer of radical political organisation in the inner city. Recent practical examples of these countervailing tendencies are discussed.