We Are Pompey: Youth educator Duke Harrison-Hunter backs city of culture bid as Portsmouth "saved his life"

Portsmouth is bidding to become the 2029 City of Culture. Here we meet one of the people in the city backing the bid - and find out why Portsmouth is so special to them.

Duke Harrison-Hunter - former gang member turned youth educator

The Paulsgrove resident has various roles, including equality, diversity and inclusion officer at Pompey in the Community (ITC) - the charitable arm of Portsmouth FC. he has been youth educator for roughly 30 years, and teaches kids about knife crime, gang culture, and other topics.

After struggling with drug addiction and other personal matters, he credits the city for helping him transform his life.

What does Portsmouth mean to you?

He said: “I was born in London but I was made in Portsmouth. It’s my second home and I feel really comfortable here. I’ve never been to a place like it. It’s so resourceful, has everything you need, and I’m well connected in my own community which I never had before. That means so much to me.”

Why Portsmouth deserves to win the city of culture bid

“Portsmouth turned my life around,” he added. “I’m almost like an asylum seeker in the UK. I moved from one location to another, and had to rebuild my life. Portsmouth helped me do that.

“You see culture and creativity all over, in its museums and at its landmarks. Portsmouth is so diverse with music, culture, and food. You can come to this city and make a proper life for yourself.”

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If Portsmouth was to win the bid, Mr Harrison-Hunter wants to see more community spaces and clubs set up for young people so they’re not forced onto the streets.

Favourite place in Portsmouth?

“Paulsgrove, where I live, and I’m embedded in the community.”

Best view of the city

The harbour at Gunwharf Quays