City freedom for Toxteth riots 'mediator' Wally Brown
A former youth leader from Toxteth, who was the first black person to chair Merseyside Community Relations council, has received the freedom of Liverpool.
Wally Brown CBE, the former principal of Liverpool Community College, was honoured in a ceremony at Liverpool Town Hall.
Mr Brown said he was delighted to receive the award on behalf of the black community of Liverpool 8.
He is credited for being a mediator in the 1981 Toxteth Riots.
Mr Brown also said: "This is a great honour not just for me but for all the staff and governors at the college who supported me during my time there."
Liverpool City Council said ithonoured Mr Brown in recognition of his commitment to providing outstanding education and opportunities for young people in the city.
Liverpool's Lord Mayor Sharon Sullivan said Mr Brown was a "fantastic" ambassador for Liverpool, adding: "We should also remember the key part he played acting as mediator in the Toxteth riots and the constant support and encouragement he has given to young people growing up in the area."
The former youth leader and engineering apprentice first came to prominence with his community relations council appointment which along with his involvement in the local community also led to the setting up of the Council Advisory Committee on Race.
He was made a CBE in 2002 for services to education. During his time as principal at the community college he transformed it into one of the most successful and outstanding further education colleges in the UK.