Kath Locke

Kath Locke (1928–1992) was a mixed-race Catholic British community leader and political activist based in Manchester. Active in Moss Side community politics, she helped to establish the George Jackson House for homeless children in 1973. In 1980, Kath Locke was a co-founder of the Abasindi Co-operative, a community organisation run by Black women. During the 1980s, the Abasindi Co-operative was a hub for many educational and cultural programs for the local African and Afro-Caribbean community, operating out of the Moss Side People's Centre. The 1995 documentary film We Are Born to Survive tells the story of Kath Locke's political life. The Kath Locke Centre in Moss Side is named after her.

Early life and family Kath Locke was born in Manchester in 1928, the daughter of an English mother from Lancashire and a Nigerian seaman. Growing up in Blackpool in the 1930s, she became aware of her mixed-race identity when people refused to believe she was English. Despite passing the 11+ exam, she was denied admission to a grammar school in Blackpool due to her race. Her parents attempted to challenge this decision but encountered a school system lacking in accountability and transparency.

Career and community activism Locke became an adult teacher and trainer, and took part in Moss Side community politics. In 1973, she helped establish the George Jackson House for homeless children. Locke was also involved in campaigning against the poll tax and educational material stereotyping black people. The founders of Abasindi wrote that the co-operative should be "clearly autonomous and self-determining" and that "Black women need to organise projects staffed and controlled by women."

Members of the Abasindi Co-operative were also very active in political campaigning around issues such as immigration law.

Film and legacy Locke retired in 1991 from her job as development officer for educational projects for the North West District Workers' Association.

After her death in 1992, the Kath Locke Community Health and Resource Centre was renamed in her honour. The Kath Locke Centre has played an important role in the regeneration of the Moss Side estate, and was recognised with a Best Practice Award from the British Urban Regeneration Association in 1999.