I am honoured to nominate Akeim Mundell BEM for Honouring Black Britain 2026. His journey, his character and his contribution to the community represent so much of what this recognition seeks to celebrate.
Akeim is an educator, a role model and an advocate for fairness whose work continues to make a difference across Greater Manchester and beyond. His story is one of determination, purpose and steady progression, grounded in a belief that education can change young people’s futures.
He began working in education at just sixteen as a Teaching Assistant. Through years of commitment, resilience and continued learning, he became an Assistant Principal by the age of twenty-eight.
That progression reflects his belief in what young people can achieve when they have encouragement and opportunity, particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. He understands the importance of removing barriers so that students can participate fully in school life.
In his leadership role at William Hulme’s Grammar School, Akeim leads on Education with Character, personal development, community engagement and fundraising. Through this work, he has helped place the school firmly at the heart of the community it serves.
One of his most significant contributions has been the creation of a daily free School Pantry. Open to all families without conditions, it has supported thousands of people experiencing financial hardship.
The way this support is offered matters. Akeim has created practical help that protects dignity and removes stigma, making it easier for families to access what they need.
Alongside the pantry, his Uniform Swap Shop provides free school uniforms, easing financial pressure on families while encouraging clothing to be reused. These initiatives show his ability to recognise a need and turn compassion into action.
He has also established back-to-school vouchers, festive gifts for students at key times of the year and a free themed breakfast offer for those who need it. Each initiative reflects attention to the everyday pressures that can affect a child’s experience of education.
His ability to bring people together and gather support makes this work possible. He listens to families, understands their concerns and works with others to find practical responses.
The annual Community Afternoon is another example of that approach. Bringing together families, local organisations and services, it strengthens the relationship between school and neighbourhood and helps people discover the support and opportunities available to them.
Akeim’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion runs through everything he does. He works to ensure that students feel seen, valued and celebrated, and that their identities have a place within school life.
Through whole-school Culture Days, awareness events and partnerships with organisations including the Stephen Lawrence Foundation, Kids of Colour and Rekindle Supplementary School, he has created opportunities for students to share experiences and take part in meaningful conversations.
His contribution also reaches other educators. Through keynote speeches and training across the country, he shares practical approaches to inclusion, pastoral care and community partnership. The experience he brings from his own school helps others consider how they can better support their students and families.
What makes Akeim stand out is how he approaches these responsibilities. He leads with integrity, humility and a desire to make a difference. He listens to the people around him and follows that listening with action.
In 2017, he was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of his service to the community. He has also been recognised as an Honorary Alumni Fellow of the University of Bolton, reflecting his educational journey and continuing contribution to society.
Alongside those achievements is the care that runs through his work: the determination to help a family facing hardship, the encouragement offered to a young person and the effort to make everyone feel that they belong.
At the heart of his contribution is a clear purpose: to create opportunities, remove barriers and support others. He puts that purpose into practice through the help families receive and the confidence young people gain. For these reasons, I am proud to celebrate Akeim and the community he continues to serve.