40th Anniversary of @inquest_org Commemorated in Birmingham, Honoring Mikey Powell’s Memory

“Commemorating 40 Years of @inquest_org and Remembering Mikey Powell’s Tragic Death by Police – A Tribute”

🫶 THANK YOU 🫶

Yesterday we attended a celebration and memorial, coming together to recognise the incredible 40 years of @inquest_org, and in memory of Mikey Powell, who was killed by police in Birmingham 20 years ago. pic.twitter.com/WGYdh26IV3

— Kids Of Colour (@KidsOfColourHQ) November 26, 2023

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Yesterday, a celebration and memorial took place in Birmingham to honor the incredible 40 years of INQUEST, an organization dedicated to supporting families and campaigning for justice in cases of state-related deaths. The event also served as a remembrance for Mikey Powell, who tragically lost his life 20 years ago at the hands of the police.

The gathering, attended by numerous individuals and organizations invested in social justice, aimed to pay tribute to the tireless work done by INQUEST over the past four decades. Through their advocacy and support, the organization has played a crucial role in challenging systemic injustices and seeking accountability for deaths in custody or following police contact.

Mikey Powell’s story, in particular, has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for police accountability. Powell, a 38-year-old black man, died in police custody in Birmingham on September 7, 2003, after being detained under the Mental Health Act. His death sparked widespread outrage and led to calls for greater transparency and accountability within the police force.

During the event, attendees shared personal stories, experiences, and reflections on the impact of INQUEST’s work and the lasting effects of police violence on communities. The memorial provided a platform for individuals to come together, support one another, and demand justice for those who have lost their lives.

The event also highlighted the importance of organizations like Kids Of Colour, a platform that aims to amplify the voices and experiences of young people of color. Kids Of Colour participated in the memorial, emphasizing the need to address racial inequalities and systemic injustices that disproportionately affect communities of color.

As the event concluded, there was a renewed commitment to continue the fight for justice and accountability. The legacy of Mikey Powell and the work of INQUEST will undoubtedly inspire future generations to strive for a society where no life is lost due to systemic failures or police brutality.

The commemoration served as a reminder that even after 40 years of INQUEST’s existence, there is still much work to be done to create a fair and just society for all..