Lola Young, Baroness Young of Hornsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Baroness Young of Hornsey
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Official portrait, 2023
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| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 22 June 2004 Life peerage |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Margaret Omolola Young
1 June 1951 Kensington, London, England |
| Spouse |
Barrie Birch
(m. 1984) |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | Middlesex Polytechnic |
Margaret Omolola Young, also known as Baroness Young of Hornsey, is a British actress, author, and a member of the House of Lords. She is also the Chancellor of the University of Nottingham. Born on June 1, 1951, she has had a diverse career, from performing in children's TV shows to becoming a respected academic and a voice in the UK Parliament.
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Early Life and Education
Lola Young was born in Kensington, London. She went to the Parliament Hill School for Girls in London. Later, she studied at the New College of Speech and Drama. Here, she earned a diploma in dramatic art in 1975. A year later, she received a teaching certificate. In 1988, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. This degree was in Contemporary Cultural Studies from Middlesex Polytechnic.
Career Highlights
Acting and Early Work
From 1976 to 1984, Lola Young worked as a professional actress. She presented several BBC shows for young children. These included Play School on TV. On Radio 4, she presented Listening Corner and Playtime.
Before acting, she was a social worker. She worked in the London Borough of Islington from 1971 to 1973. Her most famous acting role was Janey. This was the next-door neighbour in the children's sitcom Metal Mickey. This show ran from 1980 to 1983. From 1985 to 1989, she was a co-director. She also managed training and development at the Haringey Arts Council.
Academic and Cultural Roles
From 1990 to 1992, Young was a lecturer in media studies. She taught at the Polytechnic of West London. After this, she became a lecturer at Middlesex University. She moved up to senior lecturer and then principal lecturer. Eventually, she became a Professor of Cultural Studies. She is now an Emeritus Professor there.
In 1997, Young became the Project Director. This was for the Archives and Museum of Black Heritage. She was also a Commissioner. This role was for the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts. This was from 2000 to 2001. From 2001 to 2004, she led the culture department. This was at the Greater London Authority.
Joining the House of Lords
On June 22, 2004, Lola Young became a life peer. This means she was given a special title for life. She took the title Baroness Young of Hornsey. This title is from Hornsey in the London Borough of Haringey. As a life peer, she became a member of the House of Lords. This is part of the UK Parliament. In 2013, she supported a campaign. This campaign was for women to be able to inherit noble titles.
Public Service and Ethical Interests
Baroness Young has held many public positions. She served on English Heritage's Blue Plaques Committee. She was also on the board of the Royal National Theatre. She was a board member for the Southbank Centre. She also served on the board of Governors for Middlesex University.
She chaired the Cultural Diversity Panel. This was for the Arts Council England. She was also on the board of Resource. This group helped museums, archives, and libraries. She is very interested in ethical issues. These include fair trade in the clothing industry. She is a trustee for the Aid by Trade Foundation.
Judging and Leadership Roles
In 2017, Baroness Young chaired the judging panel. This was for the famous Booker Prize. This prize is given to the best novel written in English. She is also a co-chair. This role is for the Foundation for Future London.
In 2020, she became the Chancellor of the University of Nottingham. This is a very important role. She helps lead the university.
In 2024, her life was featured on a BBC Radio 3 programme. The show, Private Passions, explores people's lives through music.
Honours and Awards
Baroness Young has received special recognition for her work. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This happened in the 2001 New Year Honours. This award was for her services to British Black History.
In 2019, she received an honorary degree. This was a Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. It was given to her by the University of Nottingham. An honorary degree is given to someone for their achievements.
