‘A Drink For Len Johnson’

An hour long radio special about the Black British boxer Len Johnson, who in 1953 ordered a round of drinks at The Old Abbey Taphouse. He was refused service. Discriminated against for the colour of his skin.

Len and his best mate Wilf returned to the pub with the press and 200 people and had the ban overturned. The victory inspired others and eventually led to the removal of “colour bar” policies nationwide.

In Manchester especially, Len Johnson should be a household name. Stories about our Black and working-class heroes need to be uplifted.

Featuring recordings from speakers at the first annual Drink For Len Johnson including The Old Abbey’s landlady Rachele Evaroa, boxer Lamin Touray, historian Geoff Brown, and activist Deej Malik-Johnson who co-founded the campaign for a monument to Len in Manchester. The special also features an interview with, and music selected by Deej.

Interview: Ella Marshall
Editing: Hannah O’Gorman