SUMMARY
- Lewis Hamilton initiates Mission 44, targeting diversity in motorsport, STEM education, and global impact.
- Hamilton's personal experiences with racial discrimination fueled the creation of Mission 44.
Lewis Hamilton is on a mission towards change and diversification, and he is doing that with Mission 44. Despite being a seven-time world champion, the driver has gone out of his way to support special causes. With a similar feeling in his heart, Hamilton launched Mission 44 in 2021, personally contributing $25 million to the project.
The core objectives of the mission are to foster more diversity in Formula 1 and the motorsport racing itself as well as STEM industries in particular. Mission 44, supported by Mercedes, Sky, and UBS, focuses on bolstering education and opportunities for students of African descent in the United Kingdom. Hamilton envisions its impact at a global level, moving beyond his home country.
Origins of Mission 44
It all began with the journey of the soon-to-be Ferrari driver. While growing up, Lewis Hamilton faced a lot of racially driven discrimination. It was evident in anti-Black incidents during his early years. The adversity he faced fueled his commitment to addressing systemic issues. Following the Black Lives Matter movement, Hamilton was moved and decided to act by taking a knee with his mates on the grid.
Two years ago today, in partnership with @SkyGroup, we launched the Preventing Exclusions Fund, to tackle disproportionate rates of school exclusions.
Our CEO, @Jason_Arthur, celebrates this milestone and announces two new partners, @capementors and @MilkHoneyBees. pic.twitter.com/YdFo1Xueg1
— Mission 44 (@mission44) January 31, 2024
The 39-year-old driver took solid steps regarding the plight and underrepresentation of black communities. He brought up this matter with his team as well as colleagues in F1. As a result, Hamilton discovered that only 3% of the 2000 personnel in the Mercedes team hailed from diverse backgrounds.
After ten months of thorough research, the Hamilton Commission uncovered and publicized systemic factors responsible for the diversity gap within and beyond the motorsport industry. Mission 44, the charitable foundation he launched, seeks to create a more inclusive education system, facilitate STEM progression, and empower young minds.
Who runs Mission 44?
Jason Arthur, the CEO of Mission 44, has forged a path deeply rooted in education and leadership roles. Starting as a teacher in East London, Arthur went through some important roles at organizations like Teach First, the #iwill campaign, and the Youth Futures Foundation. Going beyond, he also served as a senior local councilor in London, highlighting his creative approach to community leadership.
In July 2021 @LewisHamilton set up @mission44 to build a more inclusive future. Earlier this year @UBS became a founding corporate partner of the foundation.
Ahead of the #SingaporeGP Lewis told us about his vision and the importance of diversity in motorsports.
#ShareUBS pic.twitter.com/9BOEyQdfo5— UBS Formula 1 (@UBSf1) November 8, 2023
With a solid educational foundation, Arthur boasts of a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Oxford. He went ahead and secured his Master in Education from yet another esteemed, the University of Cambridge. Arthur’s professional journey seamlessly integrates with the values of Mission 44.
The team at Hamilton’s Mission 44 is effortlessly diverse. It includes young Yeonju Ahn who serves as the fundraising manager, Beatrice Animashuan, assuming the role of partnerships manager and works actively towards female education. The list goes on with several talented individuals who decided to come together to work towards a good cause.
