Adiaha was born in Toxteth, Liverpool in 1949 and attended St Bernard’s school from the age of 5-13. This was followed by secondary education at Fazakerly Secondary Grammar School until she was 17 years old.

After several clerical jobs she became the first Director of the Adult Education Centre in 1973 and subsequently a co-founder of the Charles Wooton Centre for Further Education which catered for the needs of young black adults in Liverpool.

During her time at the centre Adiaha secured funding for the Access and Vocational Courses to educate black men and women to O’Level/GCSE standard. She encouraged people on these courses to progress on to professional careers such as teaching, social work and business start-up.

Adiaha was also instrumental in bringing many influential Black History specialists to Liverpool to provide education in black history to the local population. She also organised trips for the Adult Education Centre students to visit other black communities in the UK and abroad.

Adiaha was a founder member of ‘Liverpool Black Sisters’ and was a pivotal figure in mobilising women to discuss issues that affect women in Liverpool. She was also a member of ‘Wananchi Black Workers Group’, Black People’s Organisation and Black Panthers, inspired by her admiration for the famous political activist Angela Davis.

Adiaha was responsible for the first African Liberation Day Conference and Music Festival in 1976 at Robert Jones Centre on Upper Parliament Street. She became a role model for generations of young black people from the Liverpool 8 area and surrounding districts, supporting many individuals into qualifications and careers.

Adiaha left the Centre in 1978 and later moved to London where she gained a University of London BA Honours degree in African History and the African Language.

She took up several public service appointments before joining Hackney CVS in 1997 where she turned a £50,000 deficit into a £300,000 turnover in under a year.

Adiaha led HCVS for 9 years, throughout which she championed equality, fought for a better deal for local people and strengthened the voice of the voluntary and community sector.

Amongst her highlights at HCVS was the development of Hackney Agency for Volunteering (1998); establishing the Hackney Community Empowerment Network (2001); leading on the Empowering East London Research Programme (2003); establishing the Hackney Streetwise Capacity Building Programme (2003); establishing the Refugee Community Champions Programme (2003); secures £1m European Regional Development Funding to enterprise development (2004).

Sadly, Adiaha passed away suddenly on 28 February 2006. Her legacy however, lives on both in Liverpool and London as she has truly made a difference to the many lives that have been influenced by her great personal integrity and professionalism.

“Adiaha’s journey up the mountain cleared the path for others to follow. She was a social entrepreneur in creating opportunities for community groups. She was a drum major for justice.” Marika Mason