A Tribute To Danielle Scott-Haughton

Written By Ronke Lawal
Danielle Scott-Haughton 2024.jpg

From her instagram

How does one even begin to find the appropriate words that can reflect the very essence of a woman like Danielle?

She was the embodiment of love in human form. Her beauty, charm, generosity and dynamism were undeniable. 

She had an energy that was so irrevocably compelling that it was difficult not to be drawn to her.

I had the pleasure of knowing her online (Danielle Dash) and offline and how wonderful it was to have been part of her life. I cannot recall how we met, probably via twitter - I tweeted about her YouTube series often enough - but we quickly connected in the real world and what a gift that was. She remembered me, always hailing me and making space for me. She made me feel seen and special. She would always give of herself, always thinking of how to make room for others. What a joyful, kind spirit she was.  She loved Toni Morrison, referencing her often and was inspired by Shonda Rhimes, in fact I have no doubt that her career would have continued to flourish in the same way as Ms Shonda.

We speak of people holding down ladders to bring others up and building tables to support their communities but rarely do we meet people who genuinely live by this principle. Courageous, bold and community-minded; Danielle was all of that and so much more. It is very rare to meet someone with such a tender soul, who wanted the best for people without expecting anything in return, particularly but not exclusively in the creative industry. 

I was inspired by her. 

She was one of the sharpest, most astute people I have ever met. A wordsmith with a creative vision that could ignite our imaginations. Her mind was magnificent and she wrote regularly for platforms like Black Ballad and other media outlets such as Stylist and Metro along with her own blog. There was not a room that she would enter that did not benefit from the power of her incredible presence. 

From the days of her YouTube series #DearJesus (I think I was one of her loudest fans during that time) to her work at Balloon Entertainment and then on to do incredible things at The BBC as Commissioning Editor of Drama. She made her dreams come true. An example of how multitudes of blessings rain down on those who are pure of heart and who truly believe in their dreams. 

She lived her purpose fully and completely. She had an assignment here on earth and she fulfilled it. She was an advocate and cheerleader, particularly for Black British creatives and audiences but especially for Black women as a whole.

She never shied away for using her position to support and encourage others and in turn many of us supported and encouraged her. There was never an achievement or media feature of hers that I did not monitor and applaud very much like the big sister that she referred to me as. I hope she knew how proud of her I was.

She will never be forgotten, she will always be remembered. 

There will never be another Danielle Scott-Haughton, first of her name.

“A good name is better than precious ointment” ~ Ecclesiastes 7:1 

As she takes her place amongst the ancestors I pray for healing and love to all her family, friends and loved ones.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” ~ Revelation 21:4

It was an honour and a privilege to have known her. The Black British creative landscape has lost a precious gift.

The UK creative sector has lost a star.

I have lost a friend.

I thank her for everything. 

I wish I had seen her more often in recent years, I wish I had spoken with her more so that I could hear her voice, I wish I had a bit more time but until we meet again sweet Dani, thank you.

May God, who she loved so dearly, keep her and cherish her.

Rest in peace.

Rise in glory.

Danielle Scott Haughton 2nd May 1989-5th January 2026

Ronke Lawal
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