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People, Places, Events


June 12th: Today's Feature - John Fashanu; Footballer, TV Presenter, Philanthropist
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.
Jun 12


June 11th: Today's Feature - Dame Jocelyn Anita Barrow, DBE; Educator, Community activist, and Politician
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.
Jun 11


June 10th: Today's Feature - Trevor Beresford Romeo, OBE; British DJ and Music Producer
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,
Jun 10


June 9th: Today's Feature - Jennette Arnold, OBE; Labour Co-op politician, former Chair of the London Assembly
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
Jun 9


June 8th: Today’s Feature - Allan Glaisyer Minns; Medical Doctor, Mayor
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
Jun 8


June 7th:Today's Feature - John Edmonstone; Taxidermist & Teacher of Taxidermy
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
Jun 7


June 6th: Today's Feature - Mavis Best; Scrap S.U.S. Campaigner
Mavis Best, a courageous young Black mother from Lewisham in Southeast London, took it upon herself to challenge the police and rescue the detained boys. When she confronted the police about the wrongful detention of children, she was met with threats of her own arrest. Undeterred, Mrs. Best fearlessly responded, "Arrest me then!" Her unwavering determination and refusal to back down in the face of intimidation made her a true hero.
Jun 6


June 5th: Today's Feature - Lilian Bader; Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF)
Born Lilian Bailey on February 18, 1918, Lilian Bader made history as one of the pioneering Black women to enlist in the British armed forces. Her legacy is marked by her courage, determination, and trailblazing spirit, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women of colour in the military.
Jun 5


June 4th: Today’s Feature - Justin Fashanu; Footballer
Justin Soni Fashanu, commonly known as Justin Fashanu, was born on February 19, 1961. He was born to a Nigerian barrister who resided in the United Kingdom and a Guyanese nurse named Pearl. Unfortunately, due to their parents' separation, Justin and his younger brother John Fashanu were placed in a Barnardo's children's home.
Jun 4
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