Deyika Nzeribe, who has died suddenly aged 50, , was a much-loved and respected figure in Manchester. His many admirable qualities included not just intelligence and concern about the state of the world, but a compassion and joviality that enriched those who knew him. His ability to listen and consider other points of view, as well as talk (and he was a good public speaker) made him an effective advocate. Beyond this, his energy and passion helped him straddle ‘green issues’ (he had stood as a Council candidate for the Green Party, and was also their candidate in the forthcoming Mayoral elections) and issues of racial justice, both domestically and internationally. Deyika, rightly, saw no contradictions in this.
Deyika took his causes very seriously, but did not take himself too seriously. He was always willing to ask awkward questions, contest the answers he got in a calm and humorous manner. He was able to consider opposing points of view or criticism without becoming angry or defensive. But beyond this, he was just great fun – always ready to have a drink, a laugh, always approachable.
It is a tragic loss, far too young. Condolences to his family , to his colleagues in the Green Party and to the many hundreds of people whose days were made brighter whenever they met this fine man.
If you have memories of Deyika, and the other (creative) aspects of his life, please feel free to share them below. [Update – for example, he was chair of Commonword].
If there is a public celebration of the man’s life, we will give details.
Updates: There is a celebration of his life happening now (2nd January, 6.30pm) at Zion Centre, in Hulme
Here is the Manchester Evening News article on him.
Here is another appreciation of him, more eloquent than what you’ve read above.
Here is the video of Deyika speaking at the launch of his Mayoral campaign.
manchester climate monthly 
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A recent article of Deyika’s in Ceasefire magazine, on the legacy of the Black Panthers: https://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/fifty-years-on-black-panthers-honoured-prison/
Hi Marc – thanks for posting this – however we’ve been asked by Deyika’s family not to post anything about cause of death; there is dispute of this and they are unhappy with speculation which has arisen; please could you remove those words. Many thanks, Brian
Have changed to “suddenly”. Thanks for letting me know.
Thanks for writing this Marc. It’s too shocking.
**CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF Deyika Nzeribe **
Please join us for a vigil celebrating the life of our dear friend and champion, Deyika Nzeribe. Come along and share stories.
Tonight (Monday) 6.30pm, at the park opposite Z-ARTS (Stretford Road)
All are welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1075593622570341/
Although I didn’t know Deyika, I had seen him at Zion Arts and the Hulme Comunity Garden Centre. He struck me as a wonderful human being and I’m sure he will be missed not only by his family but by the community in which he served. RIP
Just heard the sad news…I sat next to Deyika at Burnage High School for a lot of our classes and we used to share our love of Marvel comics…RIP Deyika ❤
Apols for delay in approving the comment Paul.
RIP Deyika