It is with profound sorrow, immense gratitude and respect that Divas of Colour marks the passing of a true giant of equality and empowerment, Baroness Rosalind Howells of St Davids, OBE, who died peacefully on 14 October 2025, at the age of 94. A tireless campaigner and pioneer, she was one of the very first to be honoured with the Divas of Colour Woman of Honour Award, a distinction she earned many times over.
Born Rosalind Patricia-Anne George in 1931 in the parish of St Davids, Grenada, the place she would later honour in her peerage title. Baroness Howells’ journey to the heart of British power was one of relentless activism. Arriving in Britain at the age of 20, she became a foundational member of the Windrush generation, dedicating her life to ensuring that the voices of the BAME community were heard and respected.
Her early career saw her leading the charge for fairness as the Director of the Greenwich Council for Racial Equality, where she laid the groundwork for policies that promoted community cohesion and equal opportunities.
Baroness Howells’ legacy is defined by her moral courage. She stood shoulder-to-shoulder with those seeking justice during some of the UK’s most painful moments of racial injustice, including her unwavering support for the Stephen Lawrence family. She was instrumental in fighting racism in both the education system and the financial sector, operating with a revolutionary spirit wrapped in diplomatic precision.
When she was created a Life Peer in 1999, she broke yet another barrier, becoming one of the first Black women to take a seat in the House of Lords. She transformed her appointment into a powerful platform, where she fiercely championed the rights of Caribbean elders regarding healthcare and pension equality.
Baroness Howells never forgot the grassroots and always supported organisations dedicated to uplifting Black women and youth.
A perfect example of this vital connection to our mission at Divas of Colour was her generous support for our mental wellbeing initiatives. When we launched our crucial ‘Mind Your Mind’ campaign to raise awareness of mental health in the community, Baroness Howells graciously hosted us at the House of Lords. This act underscored her lifelong commitment to the complete wellness, both physical and mental, of the people she served.
Her work, from chairing the Court of Governors at the University of Greenwich to serving as Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, ensured her influence reached generations of leaders.
The passing of Baroness Howells marks the end of an extraordinary era of service. She leaves behind a blueprint of how to use influence for good, reminding us all to find our voice and use it so eloquently, and find our feet to walk so majestically in our truth.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family and all those who knew and loved her. May her memory continue to drive the fight for equality.
May she rest in power.