Birmingham Black History - Dr Derrick Campbell

Dr Derrick Campbell

Derrick Campbell was born in Handsworth Birmingham. He attended his local primary St James and then moved to Booths Street Schools, he also attended the local Emmanuel Hall church.

As a child he learnt a lot from his mother who was able to instil those important principles about life into him.

Working part time after school and during the weekend he put himself through college. One of his jobs was as a hospital porter. This with his early childhood experience allowed him to learnt a lot about suffering and disadvantage and made him determined to stand up for those principles that distinguishes him as the person he is today.

Always looking to find ways to improve he went to college and qualified as an electrician, he continue to press forward and decided to go to university where he achieved a number of higher qualifications..

Later in life while applying for an electrician post with Wolverhampton Borough Council they saw his potential and decided to offer him a junior manager’s post. Believing in himself he returned to education part-time and climbed up the ranks to hold the post of Principal Officer. After a few years he received a phone call alerting him to a new post that was to make him a First. He applied for the post and was successful in his appointment becoming the director of Sandwell Chamber of Commerce, the first Black man to hold such a post within the long established Chamber of Commerce and Business Links networks across the UK.

Two-and-a-half-years later, a new challenge presented itself and Derrick was asked to apply for the post of Chief Executive of Race Equality Sandwell, which is where he is now.

Derrick has continued his academic studies and has achieved a Ph.D in Philosophy & History. He is an ordained Minister and sees his faith as being at the core of everything he does.

Comments (2)

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... : Mrs Michelle Filis

Dear Mr Campbell,
We saw your interview on BBC news and just wanted to write to say how refreshing it was to hear such common sense with practical answers to the root of the problems this country faces today. We just hope someone in the government was listening and has the sense to contact you for you advice.
Please run for Prime minister you have our vote!

August 14, 2011

... : Mrs Joan Smith

Dear Mr,Campbell,
Thankyou for speaking as you did this evening on BBc television,you said the most sensible words that I have heard in all of this sorry episode.
very sincerely,Joan Smith

August 12, 2011

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