08/20/2026
Jason Arday was an Autistic professor at Cambridge University.
Unable to speak until 11 and not learning how to read until 18, Arday was the youngest Black professor to teach at Cambridge at 37 years old. He accomplished other amazing feats like being the torch bearer for the London 2012 Olympics & running 30 marathons in 35 days.
Due to various accusations of plagiarism and systematic racism, Arday recently resigned from Cambridge. The backlash got so bad, it resulted in him taking his own life. An inspiration to millions around the world, Jason’s death is a stark reminder that Black Autistic people not only have to work twice as hard to be successful, but that the dangers of racism and ableism are something that we (I’m an Autistic Black man for those who don’t know) will always have to battle.
Rest in Peace, Jason Arday. 🕊️