As part of our Black History Month celebrations, some of our Ambassadors had the unique opportunity to interview Kim Johnson MP, Liverpool’s first Black MP. Ambassadors gathered at the House of Commons, where they also toured the historic building.

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Elected in December 2019, Kim Johnson MP has long championed equality and the rights of marginalised communities. Her deep roots in Liverpool and dedication to social justice have made her a powerful advocate for change.

During the interview, Kim shared her insights on the challenges she’s faced and the motivations that have fueled her commitment to public service. She also offered advice to the young women in attendance on how they can contribute to the fight for justice and equality.

Before her political career, she worked extensively in the public and voluntary sectors, with a focus on education, social housing, and community development. Her advocacy for racial justice, workers' rights, and access to quality public services has made her a powerful voice for change.

Here are some of the questions asked by our Ambassadors:

"What inspired you to pursue a career in politics, and what challenges have you faced as Liverpool's first Black MP?"

Kim spoke candidly about her journey into politics, sharing that her passion for social justice and equality was inspired by her own experiences growing up in Liverpool. She highlighted the importance of representation and the unique challenges she has faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white political space. Despite the obstacles, Kim remains determined to create lasting change, particularly for the communities that have long been overlooked.

"How can young people today contribute to the fight for social justice and racial equality?"

Kim’s advice to our Ambassadors was clear: use your voice, get involved in your community, and stay informed. She emphasised that young people have the power to drive meaningful change by advocating for issues they care about, whether that be through community activism, volunteering, or even entering politics themselves.

Houses of Parliament

Following the interview the girls were treated to a tour of the Houses of Parliament and were particularly excited to see the broom cupboard where suffragette Emily Wilding once spent the night in order to claim a right to vote in Parliament. 

Senior Network Manager Iman who joined the visit said:

“It's amazing to celebrate the women before us that have made our lives what they are today. Emily Wilding of the suffragette movement, for the right to vote, the women who've fought for our right to work, the women who've fought for our right to our own money - the world would be so different today if they hadn't been so selfless in their pursuit of women's liberation and being able to see this has just left me so so so emotional and so full of gratitude for the life I have today. Celebrating all of you for being your brilliant selves who do this job to play your part in the fight for gender equality.”

Win Chen, one of our Ambassadors from Liverpool, said:

"Meeting Kim Johnson MP was truly inspirational. Hearing her talk about her journey as Liverpool’s first Black MP made me believe that, no matter the obstacles, change is possible. She reminded me that our voices, no matter how young, can make a difference."

Ambassador Maham from London shared:
"Visiting the House of Commons and hearing Kim Johnson speak about her fight for justice was incredibly inspiring. It opened my eyes to the challenges she faced and gave me the hope and motivation to keep pushing for equality in my own community."

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As a trailblazer, Kim inspired our Ambassadors, embodying the spirit of Black History Month by paving the way for future generations of leaders. We are incredibly proud of our Ambassadors for engaging in such meaningful discussions and for their commitment to creating a better, more just world. This event, and others like it, provide the opportunity for young women to see what’s possible when they use their voices to advocate for the issues that matter most to them.