People, Places, Events   

Neil Emile Elias Kenlock, MBE, a Jamaican-born photographer and media professional, was born in 1950 and has been a resident of London since the 1960s. Notably, Kenlock served as the official photographer for the British Black Panthers during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing significantly to documenting the black experience in the UK. Additionally, Kenlock co-founded Choice FM, the first radio station in Britain specifically catering to the black community.

Amal Fashanu's commitment to social causes is evident through her collaboration with her father, former footballer John Fashanu, in establishing the Justin Fashanu Foundation. This foundation aims to combat prejudice and address homophobia within the realm of sports.

Choice FM's journey from a small studio on a Brixton housing estate to becoming Britain's first black radio station was nothing short of extraordinary. Its commitment to showcasing alternative music, supporting emerging artists, and providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and DJs set it apart from its contemporaries. The station's success not only led to its own expansion but also paved the way for the growth and recognition of black music and culture in the UK.

John Fashanu (born 18 September 1962) was an English television presenter and former professional footballer before moving to Nigeria where he is still in residence. Fashanu was born in Kensington, London, the son of Pearl Gopal, a nurse from British Guiana and Patrick Fashanu, a Nigerian barrister living in the UK. John and his older brother Justin, were separated from their mother and siblings at a young age and placed in foster care by Barnardo's.

Dame Jocelyn Anita Barrow DBE (15 April 1929 – 9 April 2020) was a prominent British figure known for her roles as an educator, community activist, and politician. She served as the Director for UK Development at Focus Consultancy Ltd. Additionally, she made history as the first black woman to become a governor of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and was also the founder and Deputy Chair of the Broadcasting Standards Council.

Jazzie, a London native born to parents of Antiguan descent in Hornsey, London, was the ninth child out of ten siblings. Growing up in a family where several siblings were involved in running sound systems during the 1960s and 1970s, Jazzie was exposed to music from a young age. At the age of 18, he began working as a tape operator for the cockney pop skiffle legend Tommy Steele. It was during this time that Jazzie had his first gig in 1977 under the Rastafari name Jah Rico,

Jennette Arnold's influence extended beyond her work in the Assembly. She was recognised as one of Britain's 50 most influential black women by the New Nation newspaper in 2007. In addition to her political role, Arnold held various positions in prominent organisations. She served as a council member of the Royal Court Theatre, a governor of the Museum of London, and a governor of Sadler's Wells Theatre Foundation. Furthermore, she was a patron of the Victoria Climbie Foundat

Allan Glaisyer Minns (1858 – 16 September 1930) made history as a medical doctor who broke barriers by becoming the first black man to hold the position of mayor in Britain, showcasing his exceptional skills as a medical doctor and his determination to break down racial barriers.Hailing from the picturesque island of Inagua in the Bahamas, Minns was part of a large family with eight siblings

Despite his significant contributions to the art of taxidermy, John Edmonstone's early life was marked by adversity. He was born into slavery on a wood plantation in Demerara, British Guiana, which is known today as Guyana in South America. The surname 'Edmonstone' was bestowed upon him by his slave-owner, Charles Edmonstone, who not only owned the plantation but also the Cardross Park estate in Scotland. An influential Black Briton, John Edmonstone's legacy extends beyond hi