So I’m running through Cambridge with a group of friends after a great night out at a house party.
[not the scene you would expect a Law graduate to be in? Me neither, but please bear with me…]
So anyway, I’m running and though we’ve outrun the foot patrol, a distant echo of sirens closes in and we all look at one another, out of breath and way too far from home to run any further. My mind starts working overtime, I need to do something.
“What we running for anyway?” I manage to ask my three mates through painful pants.
“I’m not sure” replies one,
“Just don’t wanna get caught up in that mess” responds another,
“Have any of us ACTUALLY done anything wrong?” I ask,
“Na man, but we’re targets innit” answers the fourth member of the group.
“Targets of what?” I retort.
“Excuse me lads”, a plain clothes Police officer interjects my question and startles us into standing upright and putting on a defence of silence.
“Erm, it’s been reported that a gang of 10 black youths, aged between 16-19 have caused a public disturbance in town… Do you lot know anything about this?”
The wall of silence is maintained.
The officer continues, “You started running when one of our patrol officers approached you. Is there a reason for this?”
After a 30 second dual, I give up [not a regular trait I must add]
“Look officer, we’re all under 16 and too young to be at any club in town. And he isn’t black”, I say pointing to my spotty-faced, blond-haired mate, “Anyway there’s only four of us, you said you were looking for 10.”
The officer, possibly taken aback by my bold articulation [definitely a trait, I wish to claim] grins and questions us further,
“what d’you run off for then?”.
I now have the answer to my earlier question.
“To be honest, our older brothers go through stuff like this almost every weekend, we just figured with the stick you give them, we were gonna get some too.”
The officer scans the group and responds in a reassuring tone, “Son, I’ll give you this free, assumption is the lowest form of knowledge, but it is a great start for questioning. If you haven’t done anything wrong there’s no need to run.
“Cool” some of the group mumble. I return to silence and contemplate his advice [however flawed].
After this day I stopped running and started thinking.
I took my studies a little more seriously, enrolled on a law degree and now with over four years professional experience I have an insight into various aspects of the law.
I now work in the City of London as a Legal consultant, practicing what I enjoy and advising those who don’t understand what to do when they have a run in with the law [pun intended].
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Kofi's Law 
This is a very good stepping stone on which your career started and i’m glad to hear you are following your dream and in return using it to help others. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
well written and very interesting. Keep up the good work.
I really like the message it sends. This is some really good stuff. Good to see that an almost bad situation made you realise how important it was to be knowledgeable in every aspects of your life. Well done and keep it up. I am actually waiting to see more of this.
Hey buddy. Good story.
This is so good!! I see doors opening and many more greatness being birthed through your courageous ambition!!
Really a great read, intrigued to see more in future!
I like your blog; it is insightful. It holds the intelligence of a man, clearly from the outcast of the law, however maintaining the appreciation for—never disregarding—the law. We behave as immigrants even in our own land purely by the colour of our skin; as you mentioned your blonde friend running with you as well.
Yes, assumptions are made by the lack of knowledge, moreover your bravery caused you to obtain knowledge and further your understanding. We are but ants in society nevertheless our couch days do not determine our aspirations/ level of success; neither nor do they bond us to the television screen. Because truly we still need to get up and go to bed, that evening, who knows where our legs will lead us in the morning. One day it could be out the door, due to that telephone call you finally received… but who knows?
God should not be the side walk to our paths, but the centre! Our footfall would become greater, meaning that we will feel let down by God and the pain would be sharper, but do not let this get to you; because what ‘attempts’ to break you can only make you stronger if you do not allow yourself to get caught up in the mess. Our main focus starts and ends with God!
Let all levels of success be granted unto you, may the grace and mercy of our Lord and Saviour reside in you. For surely by His strips we were healed and we are the head and not the tail, we are above ONLY and not beneath!
Reblogged this on jameslauren and commented:
Must Read!
Thank you so much 🙂
Nice piece, keep up the good work.
Chale thank you very much for your comments. Please give me some ideas of what topics you would like to read about? Hope you and the family are well God bless :).
I must say…i agree with the remark from the officer….its an humanistic discipline for humans to be assumptive. its sad though…but i love ur story bro….stay focus at all times
watch over what God has given you and make sure you stay accountable to people…..you gonna need accountability. i just had to say that
Thank you Kevin for your kind comments. Also thank you for inviting me to that meeting.
This is really interesting, I find your drive to succeed and help others very inspiring. I will definitely keep looking at your blog.
Thank you :). Stay blessed and keep in touch.