AMANI SIMPSON is an award-winning Youth Coach, Speaker and Filmmaker who has become a role model to both young and old after sharing his story of being stabbed seven times. As a young person he struggled constantly after being bullied in school; eventually being expelled, arrested with an imitation firearm, and groomed to county lines. However, he was able to turn his life around through mentorship and now lives to help steer other young people away from darkness.
Fast forward to the present day and Amani is really making a positive impact. In 2015 he founded a social enterprise called ‘AVIARD Inspires CIC’, which empowers young people through personal development, digital media, and enrichment opportunities. He is also part of the founding team behind Apprentice Nation and has recently become the patron of The AMANI Project, an employability project in partnership with global corporates incl. Goldman Sachs where Black teens in need of a second chance are paired with professional mentors. On top of that he is also a secondary school governor, on a number of influential boards and a trustee of London’s largest creative college! Amani uses his storytelling skills to create powerful social impact short films.
His first film ‘AMANI’ starred Hollywood actor, Joivan Wade was about his experiences growing up and was watched one million times in four days! His latest short film ‘SAVE ME’ explores the need for contextual safeguarding to prevent young people being groomed and exploited. It follows two teenagers, connected through trauma, who embark on a cab journey in search of freedom. SAVE ME has been released widely with digital resources incl. a facilitators handbook to enable national conversations in professional and youth settings. Amani’s mission is to be a servant leader who strives to add value to others through his lived experience, loving nature, and influential network.
To find out more about his impact and story please visit AmaniSimpson.com OR follow him on Instagram: @amani.simpson
