Amnesty International on Saturday celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Here in Sheffield, a birthday party was held at the Courtyard Cafe in Attercliffe. The celebrations were kindly opened by the Lord Mayor Sylvia Dunkley who made a very moving speech in support of Amnesty's work and lit an Amnesty candle to represent light in the darkness of human rights violations around the world.
Opening proceedings continued with a contribution from Sheffield's own Sophie Mei, former "Britain's got talent " star, who had last week won the prestigious Human Rights Student Reporter of the year at the national Amnesty International UK Media awards ceremony for her amazing work on the terrible plight of victims of trafficking here in Sheffield.
A toast was made and messages of support read out from local dignitaries, worthies and celebrities including The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, David Blunkett MP, Paul Blomfield MP, Sheffield City Councillor Jillian Creasy, The Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Sheffield and author Marina Lewycka.
Other messages of support included those from three of Sheffield Amnesty International's adopted prisoners from Russia, USA and (ex) Guantanamo.
(All these messages of support are printed in full below.)
There was a stall highlighting our local group's work around the world. As ever, seeking new members to extend our impact in the campaigns.
There was an appel of behalf of Djoly Mpanzu who fled political persecution in Congo DRC in 2002 and is well known in Sheffield for his humanitarian activities. But is now facing deportation.
Brilliant live music was provided till late by the local musicians the Anything Goes Ukelele Orchestra and Jackalope Tales.
With much appreciation to all those who helped make this event such a success including the staff at the Courtyard Cafe and members of Jackalope Tales and the Anything goes Ukelele Orchestra.
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