UEL reader on Men's Health Black male role models list

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Published

25 August 2021

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A University of East London (UEL) lecturer has been named by Men's Health as one of  "13 Inspirational Black Men Who Are Leading Their Fields and Paving the Way for the Next Generation." The list was published to recognise Black History Month and to honour Black men who have led the way and inspired in their chosen field.

Dr Winston Morgan, a reader in toxicology and clinical biochemistry, has conducted extensive studies this year around the claim that Black men are three times more likely to die of COVID-19 than white men. Dr Morgan says this is related to social inequalities rather than genetics.

The list of inspirational men covers a wide-range of professions including sporting stars, community leaders, mentors, coachers, fashion chiefs and more. Other members of the list include footballer Raheem Stirling, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton and designer, art director and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh.

When I first saw the list I thought 'This is crazy.' Looking at those included, I looked totally out of place alongside sports superstars like Raheem Sterling, Lewis Hamilton, or even long-time design icons like Oswald Boateng. Then I noticed the list also had sports coaches so why not an academic?"

Dr Winston Morgan,  UEL reader in toxology and clinical biochemistry, said.

He continued, "Not all Black men and women want a career in sport or media and my career is just as personally and professionally rewarding. More importantly when wider society sees someone who looks like me taking a leading role in a career that is not sport or entertainment, it is more likely they will open the door to more young Black talent."

Professor Marcia Wilson, dean of the Office for Institutional Equity, said, "Winston certainly deserves a place among the most inspirational men in the UK. He is one of the few Black men in the field of bioscience and has been a leading voice in the area of COVID and racism.

"He has delivered lectures, appeared on TV, written articles for a number of esteemed outlets - all of which have attracted national and international attention and I am pleased that he is getting the recognition that he rightly deserves."

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