Marvin Rees, the elected Mayor of Bristol, made history in May 2016 by becoming the first major European city to have a mayor of black African heritage. For Marvin, assuming the mayoral role represents a deeper commitment to fostering a fairer and more inclusive world.

His professional journey began with Tearfund, a leading international development agency in the UK. He then gained valuable experience in the US, working with Sojourners, a social justice organization in Washington D.C., and serving as an advisor to President Clinton’s Rev Dr. Tony Campolo.

Upon returning to the UK, Marvin worked as a Broadcast Journalist with BBC Bristol, supported the BME-led voluntary sector at the Black Development Agency, and contributed to NHS Bristol’s Public Health team on Delivering Race Equality in Mental Health.

During this time, Marvin pursued academic excellence, earning two Master’s degrees—one in Political Theory and Government, and another in Global Economic Development. He also held various public appointments, including the National Community Forum, and co-founded the City Leadership Programme as a Yale World Fellow.

Raised in Bristol by his mother, Marvin’s entry into politics followed his participation in Operation Black Vote and Labour Future Candidate programs, which opened doors previously unseen. He was inspired to step up and address the world’s political failures by actively engaging in solutions rather than merely pointing out problems.

Marvin has dubbed Bristol a “City of Hope,” rooted in ambition, inclusion, and social justice. During his first term in office, he facilitated the construction of nearly 9,000 homes, initiated plans for a mass transit system, and provided quality work experiences for over 3,500 disadvantaged children. Championing fairness, he secured accredited Living Wage Employer status for the city council and introduced Ban the Box policies.

He successfully led the bid to bring Channel 4 to Bristol and has been at the forefront of the city’s response to climate and ecological emergencies.

His dedication to building a compassionate city is evident in initiatives to keep all children’s centers and libraries open and lead campaigns against period poverty and child hunger. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Marvin coordinated Bristol’s response efforts and spearheaded plans for recovery.

Re-elected in May 2021 after serving an extended five-year term due to the pandemic, Marvin resides in Bristol with his wife and three children, continuing his mission to drive positive change and foster a brighter future for the city and its residents.

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