Oral History with Charles Kwaku-Odoi

00:00 Introduction.

00:40 First came to the UK on a working holiday from Ghana (2001). Later returned as a post-grad student (2002). Joined friends already living here. Now married with 3 children.

02:50 Moved to Adswood then Reddish (2010). Met Aba through voluntary work in race equality/ black history. Stockport different to Manchester; few black-led organisations and a small, fragmented community.

05:00 Started a PhD in London, commuting from Stockport for lectures. Had no relevant work experience. Volunteering with the Red Cross led to paid employment. Also worked as a health care assistant. ‘I loved my night shifts’. Joined the (national) Race Equality Support Group. Later became chair.

Challenges progressing his career in the Red Cross led to his resignation.

As building manager, he helped the Faith Network by allowing them to meet on the premises. (2008). Ended up attending meetings and becoming their administrator.

09:50 Outlines barriers at work: first manager was supportive but second manager questioned why he should attend EDI meetings held in London. Also told in promotion interviews he was ‘still young’. Relevant qualifications, experience and training weren’t taken in to account. Struggles to say why – possibly ‘personality issues’ and race.

12:25 Describes the toll of working and studying hard in order to progress/ support his family. Sometimes held 3 -4 jobs at a time. ‘The body was tired!’

15:21 Childcare was unaffordable so wife agreed to stay at home. Put energies into Red Cross work/ progression because of the potential. Tried to become ‘indispensable’. ‘Working 28 nights continuously without a night off was a thing that I had to do, a necessity’.

17:24 Feels close to his children (all born in the UK). Tells them about his journey. Growing up, ‘3 meals were not a given’. Shared a latrine, tap, b/w TV with other families. These experiences shaped him and his values.

20:30 Childhood – ‘an eventful journey’ in a suburb of Accra. Lived in poverty so Mum could afford school fees. Admirer of hard-working women, like his mum and auntie. Received phone calls next door. Outdoor bath.

Needed extra tuition to attend private school. Fellow pupils, sons of politicians and professionals. Friend shared lunch so he could eat.

Liked football and stories by the fireside. Played ‘Mum and Dad’. Borrowed video games.

25:57 In childhood, attended 2 different church services each Sunday. Faith was a major aspect of secondary school. Ordained as a minister during his gap year but kept this quiet at university in order to focus on study. Still maintained a role in church leadership.

Continued serving the church in the UK. Re-ordained at Manchester Cathedral 2008. Wanted to be ‘a ministry outside the church walls’, involved in community, social action, social justice, interfaith matters.

31:15 Encouraged by Bishop to continue with ministry in Methodism. Involved in the transformation of Grace Baptist Church – making it more multinational and dynamic. Holding some activities virtually, online.

34:27 Voluntary activities grew out of his involvement with the Faith Network. Believes church should respond to local needs. Joined street pastors, became fundraiser and chair. Helped to found Manchester City of Sanctuary . More recently involved in CAHN . Tries creating connections, promoting BAME activism. Also helps with business aspects of charity work.

38:40 Has one daughter and two sons.

39:54: Wants an inclusive borough that’s ‘welcoming to people of different backgrounds’, co-existing peacefully. Advises people to ‘Think about the little things you can do that will change the perception of your neighbours’.

Remembers a racist incident that effected his son. Thinks education work should be a priority. Wants black history to take centre stage. Believes there should be greater representation in structures that make key decisions. ‘Posh’ areas are as diverse as more deprived ones but representation is lacking. Young people need local role models.

44:50 Aside from two burglaries, is generally happy in Reddish. Pleased with the direction of movement in Stockport, but feels more investment and support is needed. Highlights the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on black people who lack the focus of ‘Asian brothers and sisters’, brought together by the mosque. Expresses the need to find effective alternatives.