To support our work after Black History Month, we welcomed Odd Arts to the college to deliver a performance celebrating black role models.
The group delivered four sessions to students, with over 350 students attending as part of their personal development work. ‘Knockout Blow’ is a community led play and workshop exploring the life of Manchester Boxing Legend Len Johnson, as a tool for challenging racial discrimination & celebrating our collective history.
Odd Arts was approached by local campaigner Lamin Touray, alongside other members of the Hulme and Moss Side community, to support (through theatre) their Len Johnson campaign. The campaign aims to address systemic racial inequalities by providing Manchester with more realistic and positive role models in the city.
After the worldwide movement and the Black Lives Matter campaign, the Len Johnson story re-surfaced in Manchester. The story has since been covered widely in the media by the likes of Sky Sports, BBC Sport and ITV. There is also a campaign to build a statue of Len in the city centre that has gained widespread support from the boxing community, including former and current world champions such as Ricky Hatton, Anthony Joshua, Carl Frampton, Anthony Crolla, Tony Bellew and many more.
At Runshaw there are a wide range of exciting enrichment activities available that are designed to enhance your experience and studies. They can provide you with excellent opportunities to develop your interests, extend your skills, try new pursuits and enjoy an extensive range of leisure, recreational and intellectual activities. From music, clubs, guest speakers, societies, media and performing arts, to sport, fitness, volunteering and the student council, Runshaw has something for everyone. Activities may vary depending on your chosen course of study. Find out more below.
Published by: MU
