Every Friday and Saturday night, more than 100 young African men living in Melbourne’s west receive the same text message.
The message is from a “brother” telling them to be mindful of how much alcohol they drink that night, and to look after their mates.
Liss Gabb, of cohealth Arts Generator (formerly Barkly Arts Centre) at Footscray, says the texts are supportive and inspirational.
“They’re written in ‘street style’ language by young African men for young African men,” she said.
“The boys love them, and it works.
“[The message] comes in at 7pm on a Friday and Saturday and it can be a game-changer. It’s enough for some to consider not drinking that night.”
Ms Gabb said the text messages were part of a bigger campaign, started last year, called Be A Brother.
It’s aimed at helping young African Australian men drink less alcohol.
Ms Gabb says the program is driven by young African men who are committed to fighting excessive alcohol consumption among their own.
To do so, they use music videos and social media.
There are currently five mentors and more than 100 “brothers” signed up to the program.
In addition, director and mentor Ez Eldin Deng has created three music videos about alcohol abuse in the African community.
The videos have been shared among friends and family.
He said the videos were part of a targeted plan to show the dangers of excessive drinking.
Mr Deng said mainstream television advertisements about drink-driving didn’t resonate with his peers because they didn’t identify with the Caucasian actors.
“The idea is to have our own media platform, so the African community can see themselves in it,” he said.
Brimbank council has just given Be A Brother a $5000 grant for another five mentors.
The funds will also be used to produce another music video.
