Professor Sir Patrick Vernon OBE FRHistS

Help us support the family of Professor Jason Arday with funeral and associated costs at this incredibly difficult time. We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Professor Jason Arday, aged just 41.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-dr-jason-atta-kwei-arday

For those who were unable to join us at Trafalgar Square tonight for the vigil in memory of Professor Jason Arday, please take some time to watch the recording and coverage of this incredibly moving gathering.

Thousands came together to remember Jason, celebrate his life and achievements, and most importantly to stand in solidarity with his grieving family**.

We heard powerful contributions from friends, colleagues, campaigners, parliamentarians and others whose lives Jason touched.

One of the most moving moments came at the end of the vigil when Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, the local MP for Jason’s family, read a message on their behalf. The family thanked everyone for the extraordinary outpouring of love, support and grief, while asking that they be given the privacy, time and space they need to mourn.

Their message also reminds us of something fundamental:

Kindness is needed in life, not just in death.

That is something we should all reflect upon.

Thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, performed, brought flowers, observed the silence, donated to the family’s appeal or simply stood alongside us.

And thank you to the journalists and broadcasters who recorded the vigil so that those unable to attend can witness the extraordinary solidarity shown towards Jason and his family.

Jason was more than a headline. Let us remember his humanity, his scholarship, his achievements and the many people he inspired.

Rest in power, Professor Jason Arday.

#JasonArday #RestInPower #TrafalgarSquare #StandUpToRacism #BlackAcademics #Solidarity #BlackLivesMatter