We were extremely saddened to announce the death of our long-standing Trustee and co-founder of the George Padmore Institute Dr Aggrey Burke.
Born in Jamaica in 1943, Aggrey was a pioneering psychiatrist both in the UK and the Caribbean. He was the NHS’s first black consultant and spent his career working in the field of transcultural psychiatry, examining the role of racial discrimination in psychiatric disorders and issues of access to mental health services for people from diverse communities. In 1981, following the New Cross fire, which was believed to be racially motivated arson and killed 13 young black people, Aggrey together with other black professionals, set up a support group providing vital counselling for the bereaved families. In 1984, he edited the 30th anniversary issue of the International Journal of Social Psychiatry which was dedicated to the theme of ‘Racism and Mental Illness’. In 1986, he co-authored a ground-breaking paper exposing the ‘colour bar’ which then existed in London medical schools, titled ‘Racial and Sexual Discrimination in the Selection of Students for London Medical Schools’. He was also president of the African and Caribbean Medical Society where he was particularly concerned with helping black students pursue careers in medicine.
After his retirement, Aggrey was involved in numerous causes related to wider issues facing diverse communities.
'Dr Aggrey Burke was one of the pillars of Britain’s black communities. We at the George Padmore Institute are saddened by the loss of one of our founding trustees.
'He was committed for decades to our struggle for racial equality and social justice. As a pioneering consultant clinical psychiatrist, Dr Burke worked tirelessly to combat racism in the NHS, especially in mental health. He supported the New Cross Massacre Action Committee’s campaign for justice, providing counselling for survivors and bereaved families. That work later became institutional practice. That is his legacy as both activist and psychiatrist. We will miss him.'
A tribute by Professor Patrick Vernon OBE can be found in The Gleaner newspaper, including the above tribute by Trustee Linton Kwesi Johnson. Read here.
'Very saddened to hear the news of Aggrey's passing, Without any hesitation, Aggrey was a pillar of hope and strength when my family was struck down by terror and sheer horror after the 1981 New Cross Massacre. Always there when needed, never missing a beat and surely a community hero. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.' Paul Rudd
'I love this photo of him [below]. It captures his warmth and generosity of spirit. He contributed so much to our understanding of racism, deprivation and mental health yet always remained affable and keen to share his knowledge with anyone who requested his help or insight. His was a life truly well lived. RIP Dr Burke.' Dr Juanita Cox
We express our condolences to Aggrey’s family, friends and colleagues, and our thanks for his many years of service to the GPI and commitment to the fight for justice and equality.
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