Beyond the Ring: Celebrating Len Johnson’s Impact

Manchester, UK – On Thursday, 3rd October, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, the Central Library hosted a special evening of art, performance, and dialogue dedicated to the life and legacy of Len Johnson—Britain's uncrowned boxing champion, passionate local activist, and revered Manchester legend. The event featured live music, poetry, an interactive play, archival photos, and an exhibition followed by a thought-provoking discussion on Johnson's remarkable life and enduring legacy.Featured Event: "Knock Out Blow" by Odd ArtsThe evening showcased "Knock Out Blow," a compelling play by Odd Arts, a theatre company known for challenging racial discrimination and celebrating positive role models through impactful performances. This play on Len Johnson's life had been performed at schools and community groups across the Northwest, reaching over 5,000 young people and leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.Campaign for Justice: Erecting a Statue in Honor of Len JohnsonAs part of this celebration, a campaign was also launched to erect a statue in Manchester City Centre in honor of Len Johnson. Despite being denied the right to compete for the British title due to a discriminatory policy that required boxers to be born to two white parents, Johnson's legacy as a fighter for racial equality and social justice extended far beyond the boxing ring.The campaign garnered support from prominent figures, including the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and a host of boxing champions such as Anthony Joshua, Ricky Hatton, Carl Frampton, Ant Crolla, Tony Bellew, Natasha Jonas, and Amir Khan.An Evening of Reflection and Celebration. The event also featured a panel discussion with campaign leaders and a unique Q&A session with artist Taslim Martin, who had been commissioned to create the statue of Len Johnson. The evening was enriched by live poetry from local artist Griot Gabriel, with additional live music performances from local artists.