Organisers say the vigil held in Trafalgar Square, London, saw thousands of people in attendance who paid their respects.
Thousands gather for Jason Arday vigil
The former professor who resigned from the University of Cambridge was found dead last Friday.
STORY BY MELISSA SIGODO
AUGUST 17, 2026
Thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square, London, for Jason Arday’s vigil where speakers reflected on his achievements and coverage in the press before he died.
Prior to Jason’s death, he faced intense media scrutiny over his life following allegations of plagiarism which he was cleared off. Crowds chanted ‘shame on the media’ while speakers highlighted the professor’s work and how he aimed to ‘make the world fairer.’
Labour MP Bell Ribeiro spoke on stage and read a message from the Arday family who said that the ‘public scrutiny’ the professor had been ‘subjected to’ before he died ‘was too much for any man to bear’.
The family who were not in attendance asked for people to honour Jason with ‘peace, respect and grace’ as they move forward.
A man places flowers at Trafalgar Square. Credit: The Community Reporter
Award winning singer and actress Beverley Knight sang in tribute to Jason while MP Diane Abbott, Green Party leader Zack Polanski and Your Party leader Jeremy Corbyn were also in attendance along with CEO and co-founder of UK Black Pride Dr. Lady Phyll and Director of the non profit Good Law Project Jolyon Maugham.
While speaking on stage, the Good Law Project director reaffirmed his calls for an immediate public inquiry into the media stating that ‘self-regulation of the press has comprehensively failed.’
People hold up flowers for Jason Arday. Credit: The Community Reporter
Since Jason death, a GoFundMe launched by Windrush campaigner Sir Patrick Vernon OBE on behalf of the Arday family has now reached over £177,000 surpassing its original goal.
In a message on the fundraiser site, the family wrote that they were ‘incredibly moved’ by the generosity of everyone who donated.
For more information about the GoFundMe, click here.
