Quote:Beresford Edwards was born in Guyana. In his youth he was a keen sportsman and represented his country on a number of occasions. He immigrated to Britain in 1960. Inspired by Marcus Garvey, he quickly became involved in community issues, fighting to better the lives of his community through empowerment, education, better housing and political awareness.

The promotion and understanding of African History was close to his heart and he was the Manchester Branch Chairman of the PACM (Pan African Congress Movement). Its forerunner, the Pan African Congress (PAC) organised the 1945 Fifth Pan African Conference at the old Chorlton on Medlock town hall at All Saints in Manchester. Participants included Kwame Nkrumah, Amy Garvey, Ras Makonnen, Jomo Kenyatta, W.E. Du Bois, George Padmore and many others. Decisions taken at this Conference led to the liberation of African Countries.

Edwards was the regional secretary for CARD (Campaign Against Racial Discrimination), which helped make the Government bring in the 1976 Race Relations Act. He was printer and also a trade unionist. He fought his employers in the High Court for his right to work after he was made a victim of closed shop agreements.

Beresford was a firm believer in nurturing our children educationally and holistically for the future, often saying, "You can only know where you're going, if you know and respect where you come from." For nearly 40 years Beresford was a leading member of the WIOCC (West Indian Organisations Coordinating Committee) and with his guidance and support, the WIOCC organised many youth projects, Saturday Schools, training seminars and Culture Week. He was Chairman of the Guyanese Association and also involved with many other organisations.

Manchester's inner city communities were deeply saddened and shocked by his death on Saturday morning, 15 March 2003. Beresford fought tirelessly for equality and respect for his community, history and culture. Anthony Brown WIOCC Chairman said, "Berry was a great community leader. He was like a great oak tree and we all sheltered within his shadow. Now he has passed on to meet with the ancestors many of the people he inspired over the years will continue his community work.