The UK's community activism and political spheres have lost a formidable force with the passing of Lady Rosalind Howells of St Davids, who died at the age of 94. Arriving in Britain from Grenada in 1951 with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, she instead dedicated her life to confronting the systemic racism and discrimination she encountered, becoming a lifelong campaigner for racial justice.
A Life Dedicated to Community and Justice
Howells spent nearly fifty years in south London, working tirelessly to improve housing, education, and health services for her community. Her commitment was recognised with an OBE in 1994. She held significant roles such as Director of Equal Opportunities for the Greenwich Council for Racial Equality (1980-87) and Chair of the Lewisham Racial Equality Council (1994-97).
Her work extended beyond local communities to national tragedies. She became a powerful spokeswoman for the family of Stephen Lawrence, the black teenager murdered in a racist attack in 1993, relentlessly pressing the government for action. She also fought for justice for the 13 young black people killed in the 1981 New Cross fire.
From Community Halls to the House of Lords
Upon her official retirement from community work, Howells' mission moved to the national stage. She was appointed to the House of Lords in 1999, where she served for the next two decades. In Westminster and on international platforms, she continued her advocacy for equality.
She was a member of several parliamentary committees, including the constitution committee (2001-04) and the social mobility committee (2015-16), before retiring from the Lords in 2019. She famously stated, "Representation means little if the door behind you is closed to others," rejecting mere tokenism in favour of genuine, systemic change.
A Grenadian Foundation and Legacy in Education
Born in St David, Grenada, on 10 January 1931, Rosalind Patricia-Anne Howells was deeply influenced by her upbringing. She was educated at St Joseph’s convent and was inspired by her adopted sister, Dame Hilda Bynoe, who became the first female governor in the British Commonwealth.
Believing firmly that "education is freedom and power," she served as a governor of what became the University of Greenwich (1985-97) and was its first female court of governors member. She later became Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire (2009-14).
Howells was predeceased by her husband, John, in 2004 and her daughter Amanda in 2011. She is survived by her daughter Anne, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Her life stands as a testament to the power of relentless advocacy in the pursuit of racial equality and social justice.
