Dedicated to Benjamin Zephaniah;

This article is dedicated to Benjamin Zephaniah (cousin of Mikey Powell), who died on 7 December 2023 aged 65. He died in the early hours of Thursday morning after being diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago. Read Guardian article here >

The first National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) Annual Gala Dinner & Campaigners Awards for 2023 (in conjunction with INQUEST) took place on 25 November 2023 at the Legacy Centre, Birmingham, and combined three significant events in-one.

The full pre-event article can be seen here >

The event was a huge success with over 150 people in attendance from locations all over

the country. These included affected families, campaigns, voluntary and statutory organisations, regulatory bodies and solicitors firms. See the event programme here >

Tippa Naphtali, NMPMFF founder and Development & Fundraising Manager, said;

"While we will never forget what happened on the night of Mikey's killing, it is his life and how he lived it, that will continue to inspire us to develop mental health and wellbeing initiatives for those affected by state custody deaths and killings, and we will continue to work with others for an end to deaths, killings and abuse at the hands of the state.

"4WardEverUK, the first organisation that was set up in remembrance of Mikey, has adopted a mission that is inspired by Kwame Nkrumah's words - which we wholeheartedly support."

‘We face neither East nor West; We face forward. All men of goodwill, organize, organize, organize. We prefer self-government in danger, to servitude in tranquility. Forward ever, backward never.'

Images from the event;

Here are a selection of photos from the '40-20-1' event.

The full interactive and shareable gallery will be available in the new year.

'Their words tell the story'

"We have included the feedback below from families, campaign groups and organisations that were in attendance at 40-20-1:

INQUEST (support organisation)

"This weekend, it was an honour to work alongside the NMPMFF on the first awards ceremony recognising the vital work of bereaved families fighting for justice and change."

"The whole INQUEST team wanted to thank you for a great afternoon and evening on Saturday. It was wonderful to have so many families gathered together. The venue looked beautiful, the awards were lovely and the food delicious! Well done, it was evident that a lot of hard work went into it. It was moving to see the INQUEST banner up on stage with the Mikey Powell banner – it symbolised the legacy and connection of family campaigning."

Dr Jules Montague (event speaker)

"Thank you for inviting me Tippa. It was an absolute honour to be there. One of the most meaningful and stimulating events I've been to in a while, and one that I think will galvanise change. So glad you were able to recognise the hard work of so many on the night. Congratulations to you and the team for making it all happen."

Dr David Baker (event speaker)

"Thanks for putting on such an amazing and inspirational event."

Dr Adam Elliott-Cooper (event compere)

"It was a pleasure to be part of such an inspiring and historic event. Looking forward to many more in the future!"

Karen Clare (affected family member & award recipient)

"What an honour it was to collect The Mikey Powell Youth Action Award on behalf of Abigail's Army. I first connected with the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund three years ago, and its founder Tippa Naphtali, Tiphany and Jenine quickly became a huge support to me and Saturday was the first time we'd met.

"Many of you will remember the charity were the sole beneficiary of the monies raised at Abi's 30th Birthday event last year, so it was great to share such an amazing evening and to connect with so many families and other organisations."

Janet Butler (affected family member)

"Just to say, thank you Tippa and everyone at the Family Fund and 4WardEverUK for the amazing effort and hard work that created a top night - you should all be so proud."

Susan Alexander (affected family member)

"This was a well organised and well informed event with great people achieving great things. Forward Ever!"

Sonia Fereday (guest/attendee)

"It was such an honour to attend 40-20-1 the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund gala dinner and campaigners awards. Such a touching event full of beautiful people of strength, determination, courage and love. 

"It was hard holding back tears listening to tributes and testimonies from families of loved ones taken. The unity and fight was throughout. Some amazing performances and lovely food. Was fab to meet and listen to the incredible Tenna Star thank you for your hospitality and thank you for the knowledge."

Taylor Rose MW Solicitors (sponsor)

"I wanted to thank you for a truly inspiring evening and event on Saturday. My colleague and I were humbled by the variety of activist and bereaved families who courageously continue to fight for justice."

Kids Of Colour (award recipients)

"This award is for all the incredible young people of Greater Manchester who we get the pleasure of working with, from youth sessions to advocacy, we hold so much love for each of you that we have met on this journey so far - thank you for trusting us."

JENGbA (award recipients)

"A big thank you to NMPMFF for honouring us with with beautiful award.

Last night we stood amongst giants."

The activists campaign awards went to 16 recipients in the following categories:

• Mikey Powell Youth Action Award
• Pauline Campbell Systems Change Award
• Gilly Mundy Family Advocacy Award
• Joy Gardner Arts & Education Award

See the full award list here >

See the National Memorial Family Fund's historic moments!

"We want to share some of the historic and pivotal moments for the the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) over the last 5+ years. These mark some of our key milestones and developments over the period which demonstrates how we have progressed our mission."  Tippa Naphtali (Founder)

Read full details here >