“Deaf, not dumb or stupid” Brian’s words, like his life, were bold, unyielding, and profoundly inspiring.
On Father’s Day, Sunday 16 June 2025, our nation lost one of its most remarkable champions. Brian Kokoruwe, a proud Deaf Black Briton, a passionate advocate, an accomplished athlete, educator, author, and a beloved alumnus of the Operation Black Vote programme passed away, leaving a legacy that continues to shape hearts, minds, and systems.
A Life of Resilience and Purpose Born in London and raised by his grandparents in a small Nigerian village during the civil war, Brian’s early life was marked by hardship and courage. At just 13, he survived a severe meningitis infection that left him profoundly deaf and temporarily unable to walk. But Brian
was never one to be defined by limitations. With relentless determination, faith, and physiotherapy, he regained his mobility going on to captain his school’s athletics and crosscountry teams.
A Champion on and off the Track
Brian’s story was not just about personal victory it was about paving the way for others. As a Deaf athlete, he represented Great Britain in the 200m and 400m at the European Championships and Deaflympics, winning medals in the relay events. Determined to break barriers for future generations, he founded Deaf UK Athletics, supporting Deaf athletes as a coach and Director. Many went on to win European, World, and Deaflympic medals and set world records under his mentorship. He also contributed internationally, serving as Assistant Technical Director for Athletics and Cross Country with the European Deaf Sports Organisation, continually advocating for equity in sport.
Educator, Advocate, and Author
Brian’s pursuit of education was equally inspiring. Despite systemic discrimination and countless rejections, he earned four degrees, including an MA in Education from Leeds. As a Qualified Teacher of the Deaf, he championed inclusive education and deaf equality through his organisation Deafinitequality. He also served as a Deaf Role Model with the National Deaf Children’s Society and was a powerful speaker and trainer. Brian was also an author of a deeply personal and politically charged trilogy:
1. When Mother Cried recalling his early life in Nigeria
2. My Father Tried chronicling his meningitis journey and recovery
3. Deaf Not Dumb or Stupid a bold critique of the mainstream education system
His advocacy reached government level through his work with the British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board, and he later supported Deaf employment as a Specialist Employment Advisor for RAD and as a Company Development Manager at FRONTLINEdance.
A Visionary Communicator
Brian’s journey with language reflected his intersectional identity and evolving expression, learning lipreading and speech at home, embracing BSL, SignSupported English, and International Sign at university. His approach to inclusion was always practical and grounded: from advocating for coaches to provide written training plans, to improving access to the arts, to pushing employers for accessible recruitment and workplace support.
A Legacy That Embodied OBV's Mission
Brian stood powerfully at the intersection of race, disability, language, and activism. He broke stereotypes, defied odds, and elevated the voices of marginalised communities. His time with Operation Black Vote was not just about leadership, it was about legacy. He exemplified OBV’s core values of justice, representation, and empowerment.
Rest in Power, Brian
Brian Kokoruwe was a light in our community; his warmth, humour, and fierce integrity touched all who knew him. As we reflect on his extraordinary journey, I invite us to honour his memory by continuing the work he so passionately led. Let us advocate for full Deaf inclusion in sport, education, employment, and public life. Let us raise our voices when his would have spoken out. Let us never forget the power of one life lived with purpose. On behalf of Operation Black Vote, I extend heartfelt condolences to Brian’s family, friends, and all those who were moved by his life and mission.
Rest in power, Brian. You ran your race with grace. Your legacy lives on.
Councillor Victoria Bamisile
Operation Black Vote Alumni
