Amani Simpson

From Knife Crime Survivor to National Role Model — Amani Simpson Sparks Hope, Purpose and Possibility in the Next Generation.

Amani Simpson is an award-winning social entrepreneur, filmmaker, and youth empowerment advocate with over a decade of experience creating transformational opportunities for young people across the UK. Drawing on his own powerful journey, from being stabbed seven times in a knife attack at 21, to becoming a national role model, Amani now dedicates his life to helping others turn pain into purpose.

Through his social enterprise, AVIARD Inspires CIC, Amani has developed and delivered high-impact initiatives in partnership with organisations such as The Mayor of London, Anthony Joshua, Goldman Sachs, Apprentice Nation, KFC, Barnardo’s, and The Commission on Young Lives. His work is rooted in authenticity, cultural relevance, and deep community insight—making him one of the most trusted voices on youth engagement in the country.

As a filmmaker, Amani has written and produced two powerful short films (AMANI and SAVE ME), which tackle themes of knife crime, grooming, exploitation, trauma, and redemption. These films have now amassed over 4 million views and are used nationally in schools, safeguarding training, and youth justice programmes. His storytelling is a catalyst for conversation, empathy, and change, especially for hard-to-reach young people.

Amani’s talks focus on themes such as youth violence prevention, goal-setting and resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of social impact storytelling. He brings energy, vulnerability, and practical wisdom to every session, whether addressing students, teachers, or professionals. He helps audiences reflect on the power of choice, the importance of community, and the potential within every young person to rise and lead.

His efforts have earned him national and international recognition, including being named a “Next Gen Trailblazer” by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and receiving the Governor-General’s Diaspora Achievement Award from Jamaica for excellence in mental health advocacy during the pandemic.

Amani also sits on several boards and advisory groups, including London’s largest creative college, the Mayor of London’s Black on the Square Festival, and a faith-based media company founded by the Sainsbury family, further reflecting his commitment to shaping systems and amplifying diverse voices.