Catalyst pays tribute to Jamal Edwards

We were all deeply saddened to hear about the death of Jamal Edwards.

Published: 21/02/2022

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As well as being a hugely successful businessman he was a wonderful ambassador and campaigner for young people in and around Catalyst’s Friary Park estate in Acton.

Jamal talked about the opportunities local youth centres had given him to explore his interests in film and music production while growing up, and he worked with us to launch his JE Delve youth programme at the Friary Park Youth Centre.

Those of us at Catalyst who met and worked with him knew him to be a kind, talented, hardworking, and passionate man determined to use his influence to do good. He made a significant difference to Catalyst and our residents and was instrumental in helping us connect with young people.

Philip Jenkins, Catalyst’s Group Development Director, had worked with Jamal:

‘Jamal was a music and TV producer, author, and entrepreneur with roots in Acton and who worked extensively with us at Friary Park. He spearheaded youth work in the area and was instrumental in helping us connect with young people, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, as part of our community consultation. Despite his evident fame and high profile connections, he retained a great personal humility and was generous with his time.

‘Jamal leaves a legacy not only through his hugely successful and pioneering career, but also by being such an inspiration to young people in his community. He will be much missed by us all. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jamal’s family and friends.’