Description

David Oluwale (1930–1969) was a British Nigerian who drowned in the River Aire in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, in 1969. The events leading to his drowning have been described as "the physical and psychological destruction of a homeless Black man, whose brutal and systematic harassment was orchestrated by the Leeds City Police Force." Oluwale's death led to the first successful prosecution of British police officers for their involvement in the death of a Black person. The legacy of his life, experiences, and death has shaped discussions on systemic racism within British legal institutions, police brutality and practices, inequality, and mental health policy. He has inspired artworks, been the subject of several books and documentaries, and is commemorated by a blue plaque in Leeds.