shining bright:The Diamond ClubIlluminating voices for changeIn the heart of our vibrant Eastside community, a new grassrootsorganisation has emerged, aiming to shape the future with a visionand a symbol of enduring strength: The Diamond Club, founded onthe principles of unity, social responsibility and dedication, seeks towield influence in important aspects of public life, advocating for amore inclusive and equitable society.Theodora AnozieA beacon of community-led activismAt its core, The Diamond Club is a grassroots,community-led organisation with asocial purpose. Our primary mission is toactively engage in public discourse andeffect change. As members of society, wefirmly uphold the social contract, acknowledgingour obligation to cooperate withone another and respect society’s laws.This contract, we believe, grants us themandate for activism and empowers uswith a collective voice in how we aregoverned.The mission is clear: to rally, organise,and advocate on behalf of our members,with a special focus on those who areunderrepresented in society. The DiamondClub endeavours to influence decision-makingin aspects of public life, ensuring thatthe voices of the poor are heard.The Diamond Club is inspired by theBlack Lives Matter movement that aroseduring the pandemic, it evolved out ofEastside’s ‘Parent University’: previously anin person workshop-based parent supportgroup which became a weekly virtualgathering during lockdown. Now parentsmeet virtually and in person to learn withand from each other; to plan and organisetowards social change.they face. We believe that adversity canbe transformed into something preciousand enduring, symbolising resilience anddetermination. Much like the multifacetedbrilliance of a diamond, this club seeksto reflect the diversity and strength ofthe community. We saw this through ourstruggles in the pandemic especially acrossNewham which at one time was the Covidcapital of Europe.Educational roots and a broader visionThe roots of the club are deeply entwinedwith education, recognising it as thefoundation for future success. However,members, mostly parents, understand thatchildren who struggle to succeed in schooloften grapple with challenges at home,stemming from adults who struggle tomake ends meet and a lack of resourcesin local communities. This perspectiveinforms the approach of the club, aimingto address the interconnected issuesthat affect the community, fromeducation to economic stability.The significance of a diamondThe name ‘Diamond Club’ holds significance;just as a precious stone is forgedunder pressure, the members of this clubrecognise the challenges and struggles12
SPRING/SUMMER 2024II The mission isclear: to rally,organise, andadvocate onbehalf of ourmembers, with aspecial focus onthose who areunderrepresentedin society.13
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