A Wolverhampton-born activist has been recognised with a knighthood as part of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list. Patrick Vernon, a renowned anti-racism campaigner, health equity and social justice advocate, has been named for his services to racial equality and social justice.
The prestigious award comes 14 years after the professor was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Reduction of Health Inequalities for Ethnic Minorities.
A Great Honour
Speaking of the "great honour," Patrick said: "For me, it is a great honour to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to racial equality and social justice, reflecting more than 30 years of contribution across a range of sectors and issues."
Over the last three decades, Patrick has worked across the voluntary, public and community sectors campaigning for racial equality, health equity and social justice. He is currently the chair of Hackney Thinking Spaces, pro-chancellor for Health at the University of Wolverhampton, commissioner for the UK Commission on Bereavement, and chair of the Windrush Advisory Group for the Black Equity Organisation. He has also been involved in dozens of other important health and community-based roles.
Windrush Campaigns
Patrick's work has included spearheading the national campaign for Windrush Day, as well as supporting efforts to expose the Windrush Scandal. "I see this recognition not simply as a personal achievement, but as an opportunity to further tackle inequality and promote greater dialogue and engagement across the UK around the ongoing injustices faced by the Windrush Generation and migrant communities," he said.
He added: "As we approach the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 2028, I remain committed to promoting and preserving the history and legacy of Windrush and migrant communities, including the campaign for the recovery of the anchor from the Empire Windrush ship. This campaign represents an important shared history between the Jewish community and the Windrush Generation, reflecting how Britain has evolved since the Second World War."
Health and Community Work
Other areas Patrick has dedicated his time to include health and social care and education. He has worked to promote a more inclusive understanding of British history and co-founded the Majonzi Fund to support communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 bereavement. Speaking of his commitment to the community, he continued: "I will continue supporting campaigns for dignity and rights for older people, including the establishment of an Older People’s Commissioner, improved health and social care services, better housing, and changing public attitudes towards ageing."
He also emphasised his commitment to leadership development: "I also remain committed to supporting leadership development and unlocking the potential of Black and minority ethnic communities, so that we are represented in boardrooms shaping policy and decisions, not simply cleaning them."
Justice and Remembrance
Patrick also highlighted his ongoing campaigns for justice and remembrance, including the campaign for a blue plaque in Wolverhampton for Clinton McCurbin as the 40th anniversary of his murder approaches in 2027. He supports the family’s call for the case to be reopened so that justice can finally be served. He also remains committed to campaigning for national prostate cancer screening, particularly for Black men; improving mental health and bereavement support for Black and racialised communities; strengthening intergenerational work through arts, culture and heritage; promoting greater dialogue across African, Caribbean and South American diasporas; and advancing restorative justice linked to the legacy of chattel slavery.
He concluded: "This honour belongs to all the communities, colleagues and campaigners I have worked alongside over many years."
