A youngster who joined a campaign to show the potential of Manchester’s Moss Side has gained national recognition for his work.
Youth worker Kemoy Walker, 21, is one of the ambassadors in Manchester City Council’s campaign to challenge outdated perceptions of Moss Side, once notorious for riots and gun crime.
Kemoy Walker
Kemoy wrote an impassioned piece on why youngsters should be judged on their potential and not their postcode.
Kemoy won the competition run by Inside Housing magazine and has now been offered work experience there.
Kemoy said: “I’m glad that people are realising that Moss Side has so much to offer.
“Young people here have so much talent and such a strong sense of community and they deserve to be acknowledged for that.
“I’ve always said that if Moss Side could be assessed like a school by Ofsted, it would be classed as outstanding.
“I’m really looking forward to the work placement and learning new skills which will really benefit my career.”
‘Voice for the next generation in Moss Side’
Teyei Chollom, who works for Mosscare Housing, said: “I saw the magazine competition and immediately thought of Kemoy – because he has become a voice for the next generation in Moss Side, describing their hopes, aspirations and courage for the future.”
Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “Quashing outdated stereotypes is a tall order – but we are making excellent progress and people are starting to question why they make assumptions about Moss Side.”
Kemoy is one of ten special ambassadors who have joined the image campaign run by the city council.
Other ambassadors include peace campaigner Erinma Bell, teaching assistant Akeim Mundell, Moss Side adventure playground manager Lee-Ann Igbon and Gabrielle Cox, former chair of the Greater Manchester Police Authority.
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