Father of Damilola Encourages Black Churches to Combat Violence

The father of Damilola Taylor, who was fatally stabbed 6 years ago, will call on Britain's black churches to play a greater role in combating violence.

Richard Taylor, Damilola's father and founder of the Damilola Taylor Trust, will talk about the fight against the gun, knife and drug culture prevalent in Britain's inner cities.

Taylor will speak at Christian Life City (CLC) based in Hackney, east London, on 5 November during its 11am service. It will take place at CLC's monthly Adopt a Charity scheme, where a representative from a charitable organisation is invited to talk about their work and collect a donation from the congregation.

Bishop Wayne Malcolm, the leader and founder of CLC, commented: "It is very important that churches give their support to people like Mr Taylor and his family who have lost a child due to mindless killing.

"It is admirable that despite his tragic experience, Mr Taylor has founded a charity in memory of his son that is taking a stand and trying to rid our culture of the circumstances that produces young people with a penchant for crime and violence."

The Damilola Taylor Trust was founded by Richard and Gloria Taylor in 2001, on the first anniversary of their son's death.

It aims to help victims of crime aged 25 and under, and also aims to combat the circumstances that can lead to crime such as school expulsion, learning and behavioural difficulties, drug and alcohol abuse, poor parenting, poverty and deprivation.