The Black Elders Group (pre Heritage Development Company Liverpool) organised a conference and exhibition to celebrate the 40th Anniversary since the formation of the Charles Wootton Community College and the impact the college has had on the educational, vocational and political development of black people in Liverpool.

The community college was set up in 1974 to address the under representation of black students, particularly those from the Liverpool 8 area, in further and higher educational institutions in the city. The Charles Wootton Community College in all its guises catered to hundreds of people. It inspired many to achieve their personal goals and beyond.

The key theme of the conference was ‘examples of the past can inform developments for the future.’ Accomplishments of earlier community organisation’s in Liverpool 8, particularly those of the Charles Wootton College, will be showcased to demonstrate what has been achieved locally and could be realised by current and future generations.

The conference targeted young people age group (18-25) particularly from Liverpool's BME community, and past students, volunteers and staff of the Charles Wootton Education College.

The proceedings were aimed at facilitating inter-generational dialogue about creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life and social cohesion for the residents of Liverpool 8

The conference themes will answer questions about how we, as a community need to organise, by reflecting on our own history, how this will impact upon how we succeed in the future.

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