If you missed our interview with Kemoy in the ART of Diversity episode of our Home Truths podcast, you can listen here
This Black History Month we are celebrating the leadership, talent, and impact of some of our wonderful partners.
We spoke to our Youth Ambassador and MSV customer, Kemoy Walker about the work he has been doing to drive change in Moss Side through his trail blazing work with young people.
Kemoy moved from Jamaica to the Moss Side, Manchester aged 11. After seeing the amazing impact youth workers had in the local area, he was inspired to bring about positive change in his community and give young people the best life chances. He now works as an Assistant Headteacher, Church Minister, Youth Work Leader, Ambassador, Community activist, DJ and Host.
For the last 17+ years Kemoy has worked at the local Powerhouse hub in Moss Side, volunteering from the age of 15 years old, to now running his own sessions, with overwhelming numbers of 100+ attending regularly.
Kemoy also founded a group called KYSO, made up of around 105 young people from local communities. The group provides a purpose and an inspiration to young people, and Kemoy provides pastoral support, advice, and lessons in entrepreneurship. Kemoy is a Moss Side Ambassador, acting as a positive voice for the Caribbean community across Manchester. He was also the driving force behind the foundation of the Manchester Youth Council, prompting young people to engage in their community.
Kemoy’s amazing achievements have been recognised through a Point of Light award in 2016 and the Nelson Mandela Award in 2022, for his ongoing service to the local community and inspiring young people.
We asked Kemoy a few questions:
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It means everything:- learning, celebrating a lot of great things we do for the country, people need to recognise and know this.
Who has served as an inspiration for you in your life?
Bob Marley – due to his positivity in his music, the truth, everything about life.
How would you like to see MSV engage more young people of BAME backgrounds?
More active listening, more coming into spaces such as Westwood Street, Powerhouse etc..
What motivates you?
Working hard and helping to mitigate disadvantage, also the young people I work with inspire me - they are incredible.
What advice would you give to a young person starting out in the world?
Be yourself, work hard, it isn't easy but you can make it work, believe in you and anything is possible.
What are you most proud of?
Meeting the Queen in 2012, receiving a letter from the Prime Minister in 2016 and winning the Nelson Mandela Award in 2022.
