Lord Morris of Handsworth
Celebrating the life and achievements of Lord Morris and his service to public life
One of the most influential Black people in Britain
During the course of a long and distinguished career that has spanned six decades, Lord Bill Morris, officially known as Baron Morris of Handsworth, has been hailed as one of the most influential black people in Britain.
His early life
Born in Jamaica in 1938, he emigrated to Britain in 1954 and settled in Handsworth. However, like many members of the Windrush Generation, he found that life as a new arrival wasn’t easy.
Lord Morris of Handsworth (2000) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
In 1992, Bill Morris went on to become the first Black leader of one of Britain’s largest trade unions when he was elected as General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G), a post he remained in until 2003.
Lord Morris of Handsworth (2001) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
Lord Morris went on to receive a bell as 2001 chair of the TUC conference (2002). He has been praised for highlighting issues such as racism in the workplace, the need for a minimum wage, and the development of policies to encourage more women to join trade unions.
Lord Morris of Handsworth (2002) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
Some of the key milestones in Lord Morris' career includes being conferred with the Order of Jamaica in 2002 - the island's fourth highest national honour - for services to international trade unionism. In 2003, Bill Morris received a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Lord Morris of Handsworth (2006) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
On 1 April 2006, it was announced that Lord Bill Morris would take a seat in the House of Lords as a working life peer. He was later gazetted as Baron Morris of Handsworth, in the County of West Midlands in June 2006.
Lord Morris of Handsworth (2004) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
Son of the Caribbean
Bill Morris visited Bombay, Manchester Jamaica (his birthplace) and presented a donation from British Airways for the health centre. On the plaque he was described as “a son of Bombay”
Lord Morris of Handsworth (2002) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
Lord Morris, Chancellor presents Dr. Rae Davis, then President (right), University of Technology, Jamaica to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, during a visit to the University in 2002. Looking on is Dr. Blossom O’Meally-Nelson, Pro-Chancellor.
Lord Morris of Handsworth (2009) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
During his visit to South Africa leading a TUC delegation, Lord Morris even met with Nelson Mandela.
Lord Morris of Handsworth (2006) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
In 2004, Lord Morris visited Jamaica and planted a tree in the University garden in recognition of the number of trees lost during the hurricane. He also visited a school project in Point Hill, St Catherine, Jamaica in 2006.
His achievements have stretched across countries and decades. He continues to be dedicated to helping improve the lives of communities and being a voice change.
