Humza Yousaf
A Scottish politician who made history as the first person of color and first Muslim to lead his country's devolved government.
Born 1985 (age 41)·First Minister of Scotland from 2023 to 2024·Birthday: April 7·Millennials
Biography
Humza Yousaf's rise in Scottish politics was both rapid and historic, reflecting the changing face of a nation. The Glasgow-born son of Pakistani immigrants entered the Scottish Parliament in 2011, bringing a fresh perspective rooted in his own community's experiences. He quickly gained a reputation as a capable minister, taking on demanding briefs like Justice and later Health, where he steered the NHS through the immense pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, following Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, Yousaf was elected leader of the Scottish National Party and became First Minister. His tenure, though brief, was symbolically profound, breaking a significant barrier in British political leadership. His time in office was dominated by navigating coalition politics and internal party challenges, culminating in his resignation after just over a year, but his ascent itself marked a milestone for representation in the United Kingdom.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Humza was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Humza Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Humza's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first person of color and first Muslim to serve as First Minister of Scotland in 2023.
- Served as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, managing the NHS during the latter stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Appointed as Scotland's youngest ever Minister in 2012, serving as Minister for Europe and International Development.
- Elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow Pollok constituency in 2016.
Did You Know?
He worked in a call center before entering politics.
Yousaf is a supporter of the Celtic Football Club.
He publicly discussed the racism his family faced when he was growing up in Scotland.
He is married to SNP politician Nadia El-Nakla.
“We should be proud of the fact that today we have sent a clear message, that your color of skin, your faith, is not a barrier to leading the country we all call home.”
