A Luton mum whose son was stabbed to death has been honoured for her campaign against knife crime as a huge statue arrived in St George’s square as a month-long memorial to those who have lost their lives.
Roseann Taylor, the mother of Azaan ‘AJ’ Kaleem who was stabbed to death in Luton more than six years ago, is a campaigner that works to support young people at risk of violence and exploitation. At the official unveiling of the 27-ft tall Knife Angel sculpture in the centre of town on Saturday, she was celebrated for her ‘relentless efforts and contribution’ to addressing and tackling knife crime across Bedfordshire.
The Knife Angel Community Award was presented by Cllr Maria Lovell portfolio holder for community safety at Luton Council, and Rachel Hopkins MP, during the Knife Angel Civic Ceremony in St. George’s Square.
The iconic ironwork is formed of over 100,000 surrendered blades from across the country. The sculpture aims to highlight the impact of violent crime and spark conversations around the issue of knife-related offences. The Knife Angel also stands as a memorial to those who have been affected by or lost their lives to knife crime.
Saturday’s event saw Roseann address attendees as she shared her lived experience and talked of the positive message that the Knife Angel brings.
“It’s hard to put into words how I feel having been recognised in this way,” said Roseann, who now works as a mentor in schools across Luton.
“Like any mother who has lost a child to knife crime, this is not a position I chose to be in, but what I have chosen to do since losing AJ, is everything in my power to effect change around knife crime.
“I would like to thank those who helped make this happen, I truly feel honoured to have received this award not as a ‘grieving mum’, but as a mum who ensured her son’s legacy has made a tangible difference in the community he was raised in.”
As well as the Knife Angel Community Award, Roseann was presented with a certificate of special recognition from Bedfordshire Police’s Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the county, John Tizard, by Rachel Hopkins MP.
“On behalf of Bedfordshire Police and myself as PCC I thank Roseann for the tireless work she undertakes,” said Mr Tizard.
“I am in awe of her bravery and determination to be that early intervention in the lives of countless young people. Challenging them on the common misconceptions around knife crime and inspiring them to make positive life choices.
“Roseann should be very proud that her knowledge and her advice based on her personal experience will see young people empowered and go on to be influential members of the community.”
Other speakers on the day included Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, and Zulu, winner of the Artful Voices competition which saw school students from across Luton write poems, spoken word, rap lyrics or speeches related to the Knife Angel’s stay in the town.
Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Luton Council, said: “We can’t thank Roseann enough for the work that she has done and continues to do to encourage young people to steer away from carrying knives. Roseann uses AJ’s story as a testimony not just to his memory but a tribute to all victims of knife crime and the devastation left behind for their families and communities. We thank her for helping our young people walk away from a life of crime and forge a better future for themselves.”
Find out more information on the Knife Angel and events throughout August.
