Gerry German: A Social Justice Giant has passed away

Last week, social justice giant Gerry German sadly passed away.

Gerry was a good and valued friend of Operation Black Vote and his presence in the social justice arena will sorely be missed.

In 2001, he helped 29 pupils overturn exclusions at appeals panels. German was the Director of the Communities Empowerment Network which he started in the year 2000 to provide an advocacy service for the parents of pupils excluded from schools.

In the past he had worked as a Education Policy Director at the Commission for Racial Equality where he was actively involved in implementing the Race Relations Act 1976. He had taught in schools in the UK and overseas. Gerry was also Chair of STOPP (The Society of Teachers Opposed to Physical Punishment) which succeeded in persuading the government to abolish corporal punishment in UK schools in 1989.

We acknowledge the extraordinary contributions German has made to championing social justice and OBV will always remember Gerry German for his kindness and his sense of humour in the face of any hardship.

OBV's Simon Woolley stated,

It was barely a month ago at the House of Commons that Gerry was arguing against the disproportionate exclusions of Black children. Clearly a man who would never give up the good fight.

Gerry - we miss you.

A thanksgiving service at All Saints Church, Clydesdale Road, off Portobello Road, London W11 1JE will take place next Monday 14 May at 12.30pm.

A private cremation will follow.

Profidential Frimpong