Manc 96: Erinma Bell - Manchester’s Peaceful Activist

"Peace is an ongoing journey; it never ends."

What motivates somebody to tackle Manchester’s biggest problems?

Professor Erinma Bell MBE joins host Lisa Morton to share what drove her to create change at a time when the city region was being called ‘Gunchester’ and the values that have kept her on that mission for the past 25 years.

Erinma is a peace activist, community leader, and councillor for Manchester City Council.

In the late 1990s, Erinma was part of a community group in Moss Side that was intent on making a change. But when her friend was shot in front of her, she knew that change needed to happen faster.

From grassroots activism to national recognition, Erinma went on to help set up Carisma, a conflict resolution and community cohesion charity leading initiatives that courageously tackle the pressing issues of gun and gang crime. Erinma shares her personal reflections on the significance of family values, the strength of community support, and the essential need for young people to feel a genuine sense of belonging in their environments. 

Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination, reminding us all of the power of activism in the face of adversity.

You’ll hear Lisa delve into Erinma’s commitment to creating a safer environment for the next generation, the ongoing pursuit of peace in Manchester’s communities and the vital role you can play in creating a brighter future for the next generation.

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Your host, Lisa Morton, started PR company Roland Dransfield in 1996, one month after the fateful IRA bomb that tore apart the city centre.  From that point, the business, and its team members, have been involved in helping to support the creation of Modern Manchester – across regeneration, business, charity, leisure and hospitality, sport and culture.

To celebrate the 28 years that Roland Dransfield has spent creating these bonds, Lisa is gathering together some of her Greater Mancunian ‘family’ and will be exploring how they have created their own purposeful relationships with the best place in the world.

Connect with  Erinma 

Via her website

Via LinkedIn

Connect with Lisa and Roland Dransfield: 

Via our website

On Instagram

On X FKA Twitter

On this episode, We Built This City has partnered with Manchester Metropolitan University. Wherever your business wants to be, Manchester Met is there to help you go further. 

Visit mmu.ac.uk/business or follow Business at Manchester Met on LinkedIn, to find out more.