Our Founder

Louise Da-Cocodia MBE 1934 - 2008

Determined to combat discrimination after the racism she experienced, Louise became one of Manchester's most important anti-racism campaigners and community activist.

Louise moved to England in 1955 after being invited by the government to train as a nurse in the newly formed NHS.

Hard work and determination saw Louise rise through the ranks to become Assistant Superintendent of District Nurses, the first Black senior nursing officer in Manchester. Despite her success, Louise faced discrimination and racism from patients and colleagues alike.

"She was a woman of common sense, exceptional practicality and unusual perseverance. She stated that her reasons for becoming involved with the community was to help young Black people understand that this is their home, this is the society they live in, and that they have a part to play in developing it.”

Sarah Alicia Nisemi Da-Cocodia (Daughter)

Her experiences fuelled her determination to tackle race equality issues. Louise worked to make Manchester a better place.

In the 1960s and 70s, she served on regional Race Relations Board committees, handling complaints brought under brand new discrimination laws. In the 1980s she helped transport victims of the Moss Side riots to hospital and later sat on the Hytner inquiry panel investigating the causes of the unrest. She also researched and published a paper highlighting the effects of racism in nursing.

Louise believed passionately that everyone has the right to access housing, education and employment where they feel safe, secure and fulfilled.

Her passion lives on in the work of the Louise Da-Cocodia Educational Trust.