Liverpool charity, Mandela8 have announced Kim Johnson, MP for Riverside, as their newest patron.
Kim, the city’s first Black MP, was born and raised in L8 and still lives in her constituency. Becoming politically active as a teenager – attending rallies and demonstrations, fighting racism and fascism – Kim is a lifelong trade unionist committed to fighting for social justice for all her constituents.
Mandela8 – the organisation behind the new Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park, which will also feature an outdoor classroom – are currently preparing for their annual ‘My 67 Minutes’ campaign (sponsored by Torus Foundation, Platinum Sponsors for the previously scheduled visit from the Mandela Family), which aims to bring people together through acts of kindness and community cohesion.
Last year’s programme reached over 230,000 young people across the Liverpool City Region, Chester and Warrington with hundreds of volunteer hours being recorded across communities in the North West.
Kim said:
“I am honoured to have been asked to become a Patron of Mandela 8, and delighted to accept. Nelson Mandela and his battle for freedom and justice was hugely significant to the Toxteth community especially.
Commemorating his legacy by providing educational and leadership opportunities to future generations embodies the spirit of the anti-apartheid movement and I am proud to join with them in making dreams a reality.”
More on Mandela and the upcoming My 67 Minutes programme to celebrate Mandela Day can be found at mandela8.org.uk.
