Kingston Council has formally recognised John Azar OBE for his outstanding service to the borough, admitting him to the status of Honorary Freeman. Dr. Robin Hutchinson, MBE, was the last recipient of the Honorary Freeman award.

Born in Ghana, Azar moved to the UK in 1975 and initially aimed for a career in banking before studying business, marketing, and management. He arrived in Kingston in 1988 to work at the Kingston Race and Equality Council (KREC), later becoming its director, motivated by the discrimination he witnessed in employment.

The decision was made at a Council meeting on Tuesday, where Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of the Council, praised Azar's invaluable engagement with communities in Kingston and his role in fostering inclusivity. Kirsch highlighted Azar's work with the Kingston Race and Equalities Council and his efforts to bring communities together.

Azar was instrumental in establishing the Kingston Carnival, an annual event celebrating diversity. He also organised a football tournament for young people to tackle knife crime, using sport as a tool to engage and educate under the message, 'drop a knife, save a life'. Additionally, he was involved in the Biker Cross Culture event in Richmond Park, promoting health and community spirit, and the annual cricket match between Kingston Race and Equalities Council (KREC) and RBK, building bridges across backgrounds, generations, and faiths.

Under Azar's leadership, KREC became a cornerstone of support and advocacy, offering independent case work, training, mediation, and consultancy services. It supported organisations to comply with equality legislation and develop inclusive practices, working closely with the council, police, hospital, university, college, the voluntary sector, and local schools. KREC also played a part in forming and supporting many well-established organisations in the borough, including Refugee Action Kingston and the Milab Centre.

Beyond KREC, Azar has been involved with the Met and other police forces across the United Kingdom, Scotland Yard, Kingston University, Kingston College (as a governor), and numerous grassroots organisations. He also worked with schools such as Toeweb Girls, Coom Girls, and Southborough.

Councillor Thay Thayalan seconded the motion, acknowledging Azar's decades of dedicated service to the borough, strengthening race relations, tackling injustice and championing equality, diversity and inclusion.

Azar, upon receiving the honour, thanked the council and dedicated the award to Kingston Race and Equalities Council and the wider Kingston volunteer and community sector. He also committed to continuing the fight for justice, equity and freedom.