‘HEARTFELT TRIBUTES have been paid to Audrey Adams, a woman described as one of the “UK’s great Black campaigners” who died after a battle with illness earlier this month.

Audrey was the mother of Rolan Adams, a Black British teenager who was murdered as the result of a racist hate crime in Thamesmead in February 1991. He had been walking towards a bus stop after spending the evening playing table tennis at a local youth club when he was attacked and fatally stabbed by a gang of White youths.

Two years later, in April 1993,  Black teenager Stephen Lawrence was murdered in nearby Eltham in similar circumstances.

As a result of the poor treatment by police they experienced Audrey and her husband Richard launched the Rolan Adams Family Campaign to ensure justice. This campaign grew over the years and extended support to other victims of racist violence and racism.

Tragedy

Despite her own personal tragedy Audrey went on to become a respected race equality campaigner, eventually becoming a key figure in the campaign group The 1990 Trust and a board member at Operation Black Vote (OBV) as well as holding several other roles.

Audrey’s work and tireless commitment in campaigning for race equality inspired a generation of activists and many have spoken about the impact she had on their own efforts.

Speaking to The Voice about her passing OBV founder, Lord Simon Woolley said:  “We have sadly lost one of the UK’s great Black campaigners. On every big campaign or struggle that involved Operation Black Vote or the 1990 Trust, Audrey was there, normally behind the scenes making sure things ran smoothly.”

“The love and generosity of spirit she showed to so many people, including myself will never be forgotten. What a SupaSista!!!! RIP.”

OBV Vice-Chair, Rita Patel, also remarked on the impact of Audrey Adams’ impact on her own career.

She said: “I had the privilege of knowing Audrey Adams for decades. In that time, I have always known her as a quiet but determined force. Her own personal experience with unjust racism has driven her to continually campaign for greater democratic opportunities and true representation for black communities.

Principles

“I learned a great deal from Audrey. She was considered and compassionate and said what she meant and meant what she said. She never wavered from her principles and values and was a rock not only for her family but for the organisation too.”

David Weaver, Chair of OBV, said: “Despite facing significant health challenges, particularly in recent months, Audrey’s resilience and spirit remained unyielded. Her departure leaves a profound void within our organisation and hearts. Her legacy is not merely defined by her remarkable contributions to Operation Black Vote but equally by her tireless advocacy for racial equality, social justice, and human rights.

“Her dignified presence, characterised by calm authority and unwavering determination, inspired all who had the privilege to collaborate with her. Audrey’s impact transcended the confines of our organisation, touching the lives of countless individuals and communities across the globe.

“The tragic loss of her son Rolan in 1991, a victim of a heinous racist murder, spurred Audrey and her resolute husband, Richard, into activism. Together, they became pillars of strength, not just within their family but across the broader movement against racism. Their fight for justice for Rolan and their ongoing work with various anti-racist organisations underscored their commitment to challenging injustice at every turn.

“As we mourn Audrey’s passing, we extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to Richard, their children, wider family and all who stood by Audrey during her courageous battle with illness. Their unwavering support was a source of strength and comfort to Audrey, embodying the essence of familial love and solidarity.”’