Prince William Praises Young Black Scholars for Their Resilience and Ambition

Prince William expressed his admiration for a group of young scholars and alumni from The Amos Bursary, a charity dedicated to supporting high-achieving young people of African and Caribbean heritage from disadvantaged backgrounds. He described himself as "blown away" by their potential and resilience during a visit to the charity's event in Hoxton, East London.

The Amos Bursary, founded in 2009 by Baroness Valerie Amos and her sister Coleen Amos OBE, provides financial support and mentoring to young individuals through their educational and early career stages. The charity assists approximately 50 young people annually in London and the East Midlands, with an additional 300 receiving online guidance.

During the event, which coincided with Black History Month and Black Enterprise Week, Prince William met with scholars and alumni, hearing firsthand accounts of their experiences. Joseph Simeon, a 29-year-old investment banker working in New York, shared with the prince that many of his school peers were either deceased or incarcerated. Simeon credited The Amos Bursary with providing crucial support that enabled him to pursue his career, even attending the event the day before his wedding.

"Tomorrow? You shouldn’t be here! There are other conversations you should be having. Shouldn’t you be preparing your speech?" the prince exclaimed upon learning of Simeon's impending nuptials.

Simeon later remarked on the profound impact of the charity, stating, "I told him that’s how much The Amos Bursary has meant to me. I am now a mentor myself and will take any opportunity to spread the word."

In a roundtable discussion, Prince William engaged with alumni including an Oxford graduate, a trainee barrister, an investment banker, and a business owner. He listened to their stories of overcoming adversity and achieving success. The prince noted the importance of creating opportunities for all, observing, "Talent is everywhere, opportunities aren’t. How do we bridge that gap so that more people can get the chance to show their talents?"

The prince also visited Urban MBA, a co-working space that supports marginalized youth through education and mentoring, hosted in Hoxton. He spoke with Kofi Oppong, the founder, who is focused on introducing young people to AI and new technologies like laser printing. Oppong emphasized the rapid pace of change, stating, "If we don’t reskill and upskill quickly, a generation will lose out."

Prince William observed the creation of items using a laser printer, including a card holder, vase, and a prototype trainer, expressing his amazement at the craftsmanship. Television presenter June Sarpong, a supporter of The Amos Bursary, highlighted the charity's effectiveness, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

"What’s so beautiful about the bursary is that it actually delivers results and when you look at the success rate with young people, it’s extraordinary," Sarpong said. "When it comes to a diversity perspective you have young people from all backgrounds, and particularly underrepresented backgrounds, able to achieve their best and deliver for Britain."

Xavier Hamilton, 34, one of the first beneficiaries of The Amos Bursary in 2009, expressed his appreciation for the prince's visit, noting that William had privately pledged continued support for the organization's mission.