About Us

We established as a Community Interest Company in 2023 after working on the campaign over the last few years. Our directors include community activists, Teachers, Trade Unionists and Johnson family members, all working voluntarily to achieve our aim of highlighting the story of Len Johnson and continuing his legacy.

Our Campaign

There is a campaign to build a statue of Len Johnson in Manchester City Centre, supported by:
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham including Current and former boxing world champions such as Anthony Joshua, Ricky Hatton, Carl Frampton, Anthony Crolla, Tony Bellew, Natasha Jonas and Amir Khan.

In 2020 the campaign for a statue of Len began to gather pace, following the murder of George Floyd in America and the outpouring of grief felt at such a visual display of state brutality. People began talking openly, in some cases for the first time, about their experiences of racism and discrimination in the UK. There was increased recognition that not everyone's stories are told in our history books or our communities.

Our campaign highlights the importance of positive role models, representation of people of colour and stories of resistance against systemic racial inequalities in Manchester.

Next steps include

  • Confirming whether our preferred site for the statue is available with Senior council officers.
  • Applying for planning permission, with the support of a Senior Planner who has agreed to volunteer her time to support us.
  • Most importantly raising funds, not just for the statue, and its installation, but also for its maintenance over the next 100 years.

We have developed a fundraising strategy and, once the site has been confirmed, will put this into action immediately.

 If you think you can help us, please contact us here, or donate here.

Our Supporters

Odd Arts uses theatre to challenge inequalities & increase opportunities for people facing the greatest level of discrimination & disadvantage. Check out the play we put on with them here.

Man United Foundation work in the community of Manchester We had the opportunity of speaking on a podcast alongside Manchester United legend Wes Brown, where we shared the inspiring story of Len Johnson with thousands of listeners. 

Moss Side Fire Station - Boxing Club was set up in 2008 by 3 operational firefighters who wanted to engage with the local community to raise aspirations and give them positive futures. Nigel Travis was a big supporter of ours in spreading out the Len Johnson name to prominent modern-day boxers.

Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. It was established in January 1996. SRTRC in Partnership with Odd Arts allow us to deliver Knockout Blow. They have also supported us at the annual football match.

Mandem Meetup is a grassroots charity promoting, correcting and improving the conversation around men’s mental health and wellbeing.

The Old Abbey Taphouse is famously where Len was denied a drink, we now host music events here to celebrate his legacy. The Old Abbey Taphouse has been our key supporter over the years.

 

Special thanks to other individuals and organisations we've worked with: