Arlene Mundle - Prepared to go Where Others Feared To Tread

After battling with cancer for the past three months she regrettably succumbed to the illness.

Arlene came to the UK as a child in the 1960's and lived most of her life in Brixton. Concerns for her community came to light after the death in Police custody of Brian Douglas. She tirelessly campaigned on his behalf and also for Marcia Lawes, Stephen Lawrence and many others.

Arlene brought a great deal of enthusiasm to her work. She had a wonderful sense of humour and was in many ways firm, but fair. She had compassion and courage, but most importantly she was a woman who stood and by her beliefs. She was always eager to learn new skills and taught her self, in less than 20 minutes, how to design a website which she aptly named South London Massive !!!

Arlene challenged the standard norms, and was prepared to go where others feared to tread. When no one else in the community, or in authority stood up against Black on Black violence she confronted the problem head on. She was no longer prepared to let young Black men continue to eliminate themselves with mindless shootings, and went on to pioneer the Gun Amnesty in 1999.

Her defence against all the odds, were her strong spirit and her sense of responsibility. When Arlene's illness took hold in December, her concern was that so many of us were at her bedside and felt that our presence would have been better served supporting Damilola Taylor's family, as it was the day of his funeral. This was typical of her character and the type of sacrifices she always made.

Lee Jasper, former 1990 Trust Director stated : "Arlene Mundle has been a beacon of hope to the Black community. Her strong, fiesty no nonsense approach brought both fear and respect to those she challenged. For those that worked with her or those that saw her on the front line of many struggles she will be remembered for her warmth and integrity."

Throughout her established career Arlene scored many a triumph. She was actively engaged in the Lambeth Police Consultative Group, Crime Stoppers Board, Advisor to Operation Trident, Chair of the Brixton Crime Forum, and represented the Brixton Market Street Traders.

Arlene follows in a long line of great Black women. Her outspokenness and tactical judgement were sometimes in question but never her commitment or courage. Her distinctive style and standpoint though they often seem unique, many of her opinions which were once abused are now widely accepted.

Arlene leaves behind her two daughters, her son and a grandson.