LEWISHAM: Past, present, future

Exploring the experiences of young Black people growing up in Lewisham in the past, present, and future.

 

LEWISHAM: Past, present, future is a 1-hour special radio show dedicated to the experiences of young Black people growing up in Lewisham, bringing generations together to reflect on how far we’ve come, what still needs to change, and the future we want to create.

 

Radio Lewisham is a diverse youth-led radio station giving a platform for all young people in the borough to share their views and creativity. It was created by former Lewisham Young Mayor Jentai Gen-One as part of his manifesto and is run as a partnership between Lewisham Music and the Young Mayors team. Black youth voice is at the core of Radio Lewisham, with over 73% of participants identifying as Black British, African, Black Caribbean, and Mixed.

 

Like every programme on Radio Lewisham, LEWISHAM: Past, Present and Future was curated, produced, and presented by Lewisham’s young people. The concept for the show has been developed by three of our young presenters: Marie Michelle, Micah and Indi.

   

“Growing up in Lewisham has taught me the importance of community, culture, and resilience.”

  

  

      

  

    

 

The programme was broadcast live on Radio Lewisham accompanied by a live listening party at our HQ in Bellingham, where members of the community dropped-in to listen and share their thoughts. Listen to the show below.

 

 

Come and explore Lewisham in the past, present, and future.

 

 

    

“Not everywhere is like Lewisham and not everywhere has that kind of blessing, that community.”

  

  

LEWISHAM: Past, Present and Future is a 1-hour Radio Show exploring what it means to be a young Black person in Lewisham today.

 

Part one

Introduction to our presenters Marie Michelle, Indi and Micah. In this section we hear their personal histories, their experiences as young Black people in the area, their memories of growing up in Lewisham, what they like/dislike about the area, opinions on the opportunities here, and their contributions to the area.

 

Part two

Youth experience (documenting life today for the archive) – in this section the hosts speak to other young Black people who live in Lewisham and ask what they think of the area: best and worst parts, what it’s like to live in Lewisham today.

 

Part three

Heroes – Michelle, Indi and Micah introduce us to one of their personal heroes, the people who have inspired them in some way – whether that’s a celebrity, family member or friend.

 

Part four

Making history – in the final section of the show, the hosts look ahead to the future of Lewisham by speaking to the Black people making history now. This includes an interview with Jentai Gen-One, the former Young Mayor who set up Radio Lewisham, and Koder, one of the leading forces behind the development of Radio Lewisham, and the founder of Undeniable, a creative solutions agency focussed on fostering local greatness.

  

      

 

  

 

Growing up Black in Lewisham means growing up surrounded by culture, diversity and a powerful sense of belonging. For generations, Black communities have helped shape the borough’s identity, creating spaces for connection, cultural expression and mutual support. 

      

From pioneers like Micah’s grandma arriving with the Windrush generation and opening one of the area’s first Black salons, to Sybil Phoenix who founded the Moonshot Youth Centre in New Cross, spaces were created for a community that had nowhere else to go. Lewisham has always offered young Black people a place to celebrate their heritage and find their people. Yet the past has not been without its challenges. Earlier generations describe navigating racism, territorial divisions, limited representation and having to find their own inspiration in a world that did not always reflect their experiences.

      

      

   

   

Today, that sense of community remains a source of pride, resilience and possibility. Young people speak of the friendships, cultural richness and opportunities that have shaped their confidence and identity. Through youth leadership, music, radio and creative projects, they are finding their voices and making a difference in the place they call home. But progress is uneven. Concerns remain around racial bias, unequal access to education and employment, the loss of youth clubs and community events, and the lack of spaces where young people can feel safe, supported and understood. Even the celebration of Black history and culture can feel inconsistent, with some young people questioning why recognition is not more visible or sustained.

      

Looking to the future, the message is clear – more investment in the people who make Lewisham what it is. Young people want better access to opportunities, mentorship, creative spaces, mental health support and pathways into leadership, alongside meaningful recognition of Black history throughout the year. They also want successful local artists and community leaders to give back, creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive. Ultimately, the future of growing up Black in Lewisham lies in protecting the community’s strong foundations while ensuring every young person has the freedom, resources and confidence to shape their own future.

      

 

LEWISHAM: Past, present, future was kindly funded by Lewisham Council as part of Black History Lewisham 365, their year-round commitment to supporting Lewisham’s Black communities. Find out more about Lewisham Council’s programme and explore a few links below.