10. Afua Hirsch
The Voice of Justice and Identity
Afua Hirsch has become one of the most important intellectuals and cultural commentators of modern Britain, a writer, broadcaster, and thinker whose work challenges society to see itself more clearly. Born in Stavanger, Norway, in 1981 to a Ghanaian father and British mother, she grew up in Wimbledon before studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Oxford. She went on to train as a barrister, specialising in human rights law — a grounding that would shape her life’s mission: to question, illuminate, and reimagine what justice and identity mean in Britain today.
Hirsch first came to prominence as a journalist. She worked for The Guardian and as Social Affairs and Education Editor at Sky News, where her incisive reporting brought clarity to complex debates. Yet it was her writing that truly elevated her into the national conversation. Her 2018 book, Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging, was a landmark: a powerful blend of memoir, history, and analysis that explored what it means to be Black and British. The book was widely acclaimed for its honesty and eloquence, sparking vital conversations about race, empire, and belonging that continue to resonate today.
In addition to her writing, Hirsch has become a powerful presence on screen. She has presented acclaimed documentaries, including African Renaissance and The Battle for Britain’s Heroes, where she interrogates how history is told and remembered. In each, her trademark style shines through: warm, articulate, and fearless in confronting uncomfortable truths. She does not simply critique but invites audiences to imagine a more inclusive, honest national story.
Hirsch is also a professor of journalism at the University of Southern California, reflecting her international influence. Her columns, essays, and television appearances extend her voice globally, making her a bridge between cultures and conversations.
What makes Hirsch especially compelling is her courage. She is often the target of hostility for speaking candidly about race and inequality, yet she meets such challenges with dignity and resilience. Her presence in Britain’s cultural life is not just important; it is transformative. She insists that the country confront both its past and its present with honesty, not to divide but to heal.
Beyond her professional work, Hirsch is admired for her authenticity. She speaks with personal conviction, connecting intellectual critique with lived experience. This makes her both relatable and formidable — a rare combination in public life.
Afua Hirsch stands at the intersection of law, journalism, and cultural critique, and in each field she has been a pioneer. She represents a Britain that is self-critical yet hopeful, aware of its history yet eager to grow. At #10 in this rundown, she symbolises the power of words, ideas, and integrity to reshape the national conversation.
