We are delighted to announce that Kemoy Walker has won the 2022 Nelson Mandela Award.
Kemoy says “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement. I do lots of things in my local community for the love and passion but it’s great to be recognised as a beacon of that community. It’s a massive achievement and I am so happy.”
What is the Nelson Mandela Award?
This award is given to those who exemplify Nelson Mandela’s values of determination, a desire for unity, and strength in the face of injustice. In gratitude to a great man who was an honorary member of UNISON, the National Black Members’ Committee continue to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy and champion those who live by his standards.
More about Kemoy
Kemoy is a youth work manager and head of year. He was inspired by his Black headteacher who showed him what was possible for young Black men.
Kemoy’s branch praised the ‘proactive, supportive, understanding, confident and equality conscious young man, who is actively passionate about challenging race inequalities and going above and beyond what he does in supporting and motivating young people, to assist in keeping them engaged and off the streets.’
Kemoy is active in the UNISON Inspire Black Members Forum and is a star speaker who is listened to, respected and regarded as a role model by other young people.
“Kemoy formed KYSO, a youth organisation that identifies and supports young people not already engaged in performing arts or projects. Under his guidance the organisation is well promoted and perform regularly within Greater Manchester. The goal is to identify and help young people who are going to have a turbulent transition to adulthood and offer a positive support system to avoid the pitfalls that can derail their lives.”
If you’d like to nominate someone for this award, keep an eye out for the June edition of Black Action which will contain details of the nomination process.
