Birmingham activist wins UNISON’s Nelson Mandela Award

Yvonne Mosquito’s activism began when she started working in schools at 17 and has taken her to many roles in Birmingham

Councillor Yvonne Mosquito today became the third recipient of the UNISON Nelson Mandela Award in recognition of over 37 years of dedicated campaigning and organising in her local community in Birmingham.

Receiving her award from the union’s president, Margaret McKee, at Black members’ conference in Liverpool, Ms Mosquito was particularly keen to thank Birmingham branch for nominating her.

Her community work began at the age of 17 when she became a supplementary school teacher assistant.

She was elected as a councillor to Birmingham City Council in 1996 and has served as executive member of the Birmingham City Council cabinet, chair of the Labour Group, deputy chief whip, vice chair of West Midlands Police Authority and as West Midlands Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.