In celebration of Black History Month, we're shining a light on a selection of influential Black figures who have played a significant role in paving the way for Black British Media.
Important moments and beginnings in the journey of Black journalists in British Media:
The following Black figures were some of the first to represent the Black community in the UK's communication industry and helped shape Black British Media's evolution.
1. Samuel Clestine Edwards (1892)
Samuel Celestine Edwards was recognised as the UK’s first ever black newspaper editor, who published the Christian Evidence paper, Lux, in 1892 and the anti-racist monthly magazine, Fraternity, in 1893.
Through Samuel’s role, he advocated for the equality of black lives in Sunderland. (Chronicle Live)
2. Claudia Jones (1958)
Claudia Jones founded The West Indian Gazette in 1958, which became the first commercial black newspaper in the UK, in addition to founding another publication, The Caribbean Times, in 1959. These newspapers covered news and events dedicated to the Caribbean community, which played a significant role in promoting social and political activism in the UK.
Claudia was a key figure in advancing racial equality and bringing Caribbean culture into British society. (I Am History)
3. Barbara Blake-Hannah (1968)
In 1968, Barbara Blake-Hannah became the first Black person to appear on UK television in a non-entertainment position. She was a TV presenter on iTV news and current affairs programme Tonight with Eamonn Andrews.
Barbara reported on multiple stories from the closing-down sale of the Beatles’ Baker Street Shop, to gang crime in the East End of London.
One of Barbara’s previous works includes an interview with Prime Minister Harold Wilson and one of the biggest film stars at the time, Michael Caine. (The Guardian & iTV)
4. Sir Trevor McDonald (1973)
Trevor McDonald first entered into communications when he joined the Caribbean service radio with BBC World Service in 1969.
When Trevor joined ITN in 1973, he became the first Black male TV reporter, and one of the most prominent presenters.
Over the years, Trevor secured the first-ever interview with Nelson Mandela after his release, as well as speaking to Saddam Hussein and Colonel Gaddafi. He reported on iTV’s programme The News at Ten. (BBC Sounds)
5. Moira Stuart (1978)
After Moira Stuart made her debut on Radio 4, in 1978, she became BBC’s first black female newsreader. In the BBC, Moira presented in programmes, such as News After Noon and Six O’Clock News.
Moira was awarded for Best Newscaster of the Year (1988), Best Television Personality (1989), Best Female Television Personality (1994) and many more.
Moira joined Classic FM in 2019, where she is presenting in the Hall of Fame Concert programme every Saturday evening. (Classic FM & Wikipedia)
6. Val McCalla (1982)
In 1982, Val McCalla founded The Voice newspaper. It covered hard news, investigations and human-interest stories with sports, fashion and entertainment.
The Voice reported on developments relating to the Windrush and confronted injustices, such as discriminatory policing.
The Voice celebrated its 40th anniversary through a collaboration with King Charles III, becoming the guest editor of the September 2022 issue. (CNN & Independent)
