Bishop Desmond Jaddoo MBE is a Birmingham-born church leader, community activist, and advocate for social justice, known for his commitment to the Windrush Generation, racial equality, and anti-violence work. Born to Jamaican parents and educated in Birmingham, he remains deeply rooted in the city where he lives with his family.
Before his current leadership roles, Desmond served as a Birmingham City Council Housing Officer and was a local entrepreneur with experience in radio, music production, artist management, marketing, mobile communications, and prestige transport. He has a long history of community engagement across Birmingham’s diverse neighbourhoods.
Mentored in his youth by the late Alderman Bert Carless, a respected local Labour councillor, Desmond developed a passion for reconnecting people to governance through transparent, inclusive, and effective leadership. He was a supporter of Birmingham’s campaign for an elected mayor and planned to stand as a candidate, though after the campaign’s defeat, he redirected his focus to promoting new voices and non-partisan leadership.
Currently, as Chairman of the Windrush National Organisation, Bishop of the Village Fellowship, and Deputy Chair of the West Midlands Race Equality Taskforce, he leads efforts for justice, equality, and community empowerment. He also organizes the Birmingham Empowerment Forum, dedicated to increasing civic participation and reducing disenfranchisement through community consultation.
Desmond is a passionate public speaker and campaigner who advocates for fairness regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, wealth, or age. He is committed to amplifying the voices of young people and underrepresented communities in public life and governance. His primary goal is to represent and serve Birmingham’s diverse communities with integrity and dedication.
In 2023, Desmond was awarded an MBE for his services to the Windrush Generation. He also spearheaded the Benjamin Zephaniah Memorial Forest project in 2024, planting trees to honour the celebrated poet and activist.
When asked about his vision for equality, Bishop Desmond Jaddoo says:
“I believe that we should all live as one. We are all God’s children, and it is Man that intervenes and thinks that one being is greater than another. I believe that we should be educating people through resistance.”
