Simon Woolley, first black man to head an Oxbridge college, discusses founding Operation Black Vote, the power of voting, and the importance of character and values. He shares his approach to being cast away on an island and his final choice of song, revealing a life filled with joy and love.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Childhood
Simon Woolley spent his early years in an orphanage before being adopted by white parents.
His birth mother, Lolita, faced difficult circumstances that led to his adoption.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mother's Influence
Simon Woolley's adoptive mother instilled a strong sense of self-belief in him.
She assured him of his potential, saying, "I don't worry about you. You're a good kid. And you're going to be fine."
question_answer ANECDOTE
Lessons in Kindness
Simon Woolley's mother taught him and his brother the importance of seeing the good in people and embracing different views.
This was demonstrated through her kindness and generosity towards others, even when they couldn't afford to pay for her childcare services.
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Simon Woolley, Lord Woolley of Woodford, is principal of Homerton College at Cambridge University. He is the first black man to head an Oxbridge college. He is a co-founder of Operation Black Vote, which campaigns for greater inclusivity in politics, and became a crossbench peer in 2019.
Simon spent his early years in an orphanage in Leicester before being fostered and then adopted by a white couple who also adopted his brother Mick. He left school at 16 to work as a car mechanic and then moved to London where he embarked on a successful career in sales. In 1988 he completed a one year access course which provided the pathway to university and a degree in English and Spanish.
In 1996 Simon was one of the co-founders of Operation Black Vote, a non-partisan organisation which encourages voter registration and community engagement, aiming to give a voice to all sections of society.
He was awarded a knighthood for services to race equality in 2019 and took up his current role as principal of Homerton College in 2021.
DISC ONE: I Want You Back - The Jackson 5
DISC TWO: Green Green Grass of Home - Tom Jones
DISC THREE: Manhattan - Ella Fitzgerald
DISC FOUR: Titanium (Morten Future Rave Mix) - David Guetta (feat Sia)
DISC FIVE: Hagamos Lo Que Diga El Corazón - Grupo Niche
DISC SIX: Dreamland – Composed and performed by Alexis Ffrench and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by James Morgan
DISC SEVEN: Cowboy bebop tank! - Niyari
DISC EIGHT: For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder
BOOK CHOICE: Football in Sun and Shadow by Eduardo Galeano
LUXURY ITEM: A razor blade
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder
Desert Island Discs