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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, UK BLACK is a raw, powerful memoir by Vernal Scott, a Black, gay, neurodivergent EDI leader, whose fearless journey through discrimination, grief, and activism will inspire anyone who’s ever felt unseen to read his unforgettable story.
UK BLACK
Vernal Scott’s UK BLACK: Windrush Waves, Ungodly Sins, and Early Graves is not just a memoir—it’s a fearless testament to a life lived at the intersections of Blackness, queerness, neurodivergence, and unyielding activism.
This bold, unfiltered narrative traces Scott’s journey as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) leader who has faced discrimination, grief, and cultural resistance head-on. Spanning decades of personal and political upheaval, from the AIDS crisis to modern-day activism, UK BLACK is a story of survival, justice, and the relentless fight to be seen. With warmth, humor, and searing honesty, Scott invites readers into a Britain that hasn’t always been kind, making this memoir a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt pushed to the margins.
A Life of Impact, Not Fame
Vernal Scott may not be a household name, but his impact is undeniable. Over four decades, he has led groundbreaking EDI work in local government, policing, and even Oxbridge, often against fierce opposition. His quiet but powerful allies—ranging from pop icons like George Michael and Whitney Houston to activists like Peter Tatchell and countless supporters in British law enforcement—have bolstered his mission. Yet, Scott has also been a target, facing vitriol from major newspapers like The Telegraph and The Times, far-right critics, and anti-EDI “keyboard warriors” determined to silence him. UK BLACK is his defiant response, a testament to resilience in the face of hate.
From Windrush to Starmer: A Sweeping Historical Canvas
Scott’s story is deeply rooted in the broader arc of Black British history. Beginning with the 1930s Jamaican roots of his family, the memoir traces the pioneering spirit of the 1940s and 1950s Empire Windrush generation under Queen Elizabeth II. It moves through the historic milestones of King Charles III’s accession, the Sunak era’s unprecedented diversity in government, and the racist city riots following Sir Keir Starmer’s 2024 election.
This is more than a personal story—it’s a living history of inclusion, equity, and the ongoing struggle against systemic racism. The memoir’s release, coinciding with the 32nd anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder, is a stark reminder of racism’s persistence, as Thames Valley Police investigates racist reactions to the book’s promotion on Scott’s UK By Vernal Scott Facebook page.
Navigating Personal and Political Storms
UK BLACK doesn’t shy away from the personal. Scott lays bare the complexities of his life with striking honesty: his strained relationship with his traditional Jamaican father, his awakening as a gay teenager in the vibrant 1970s disco era, and the devastating “death and dying conveyor belt” of the 1980s and 1990s AIDS crisis. He also confronts the NHS Infected Blood scandal’s impact on his family, the pain of unrequited love, and the challenges of unconventional family-making as a single dad navigating Family Court.
His late ADHD diagnosis offers clarity on a lifetime of self-wounding traits, adding another layer to his neurodivergent identity. Through it all, Scott’s atheism—“the Lord is not my Shepherd!”—and love for disco music provide both sanctuary and rebellion.
A Voice for the Unseen
What sets UK BLACK apart is its universal resonance. Scott speaks directly to anyone who’s felt unseen or unheard, offering a deeply human story that transcends his specific experiences. His provocative honesty and charismatic storytelling make this memoir a gut-punch, while his humor and warmth keep readers turning the pages. Forewords from notable figures, celebrity cameos, and a wealth of photos enrich the narrative, bringing Scott’s rollercoaster of triumphs and tragedies to life. Whether recounting policing challenges or proposing solutions, Scott’s pulse beats on every page, making this book essential reading for memoir lovers, DEI advocates, and researchers alike.
In a cultural moment marked by anti-EDI and anti-Black sentiment, UK BLACK is more relevant than ever. Scott’s story is a clarion call for justice and visibility, amplifying voices that are too often silenced. This giant of a memoir—both in content and pagination—raises the bar for the genre, blending great storytelling with unflinching social commentary. It’s a book that demands to be read, discussed, and shared.
If you only read one book this year, let it be UK BLACK. Vernal Scott’s history is UK Black history, previously untold, and his courage is a beacon for us all.
Vernal Scott
Vernal Scott, a London-born (St Mary’s Hospital) diversity and inclusion public servant with over four decades of passionate dedication, only recently (2024) discovered his ADHD. A pivotal figure in community activism, he founded the People’s (multicultural) Group at the London Lesbian & Gay Centre in the mid-80s, followed by the Black Communities AIDS Team.
His career in public service includes leading HIV services for Brent Council (from 1987), heading Equality and Diversity at Islington Council (from 2003), and serving as Diversity Manager at Essex Police (from 2020), where he also judged the National Police Bravery Awards.
While his appointment as Head of the Equality and Diversity Unit at the University of Oxford is notable, Vernal considers his recent work with UK BLACK his most significant achievement to date. His contributions are recognized on both UK Black History and LGBTQ History websites.
Find more from Vernal Scott now:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4d0YmZe
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4lR9EDi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWZryWMxwNk
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