Clovis Salmon OBE Esq.

✨ A SPECIAL NIGHT — 4/10/2024 ✨ At 97 years young, Clovis Salmon OBE Esq. was honoured with the Lifetime Achiever Award at the 2024 National Diversity Awards — a moment that filled all his family & friends with pride, gratitude, and joy beyond words. 🏆 Behind the scenes, Clovis had developed a slight cold and chesty cough, which understandably concerned us given his age. Yet he never once complained, and the care and attention shown both prior to and throughout the evening was exemplary. We are truly grateful. 🙏🏾 As the night drew towards midnight, believing he hadn’t won, Clovis was already content — proudly holding his framed certificate, having celebrated the winners and enjoyed the evening. Hat and coat on, he was content and ready for the wonderful evening to draw to a close.☺️ Encouraging him to remain hopeful, and then — on hearing the winner’s biography being read and cheers and applause building — Carol helped him gently remove his hat and coat just moments before his name was announced, and as he mounted the stage to rapturous applause and a standing ovation.🤩We were simply amazed. 🥹 Just before going on stage, unbeknown to us, Clovis had misplaced his hearing aid and, being 98% deaf, was unable to hear the usual cues or timings — something we only realised once he began speaking. What a professional trooper he was! 👏🏾 He spoke from the heart, lifted his trophy high, and made us immensely proud. With a gentle prompt from Carol — and our own brief panic about timings (not the NDAs! 😅) — the microphone was carefully withdrawn, ensuring his moment remained joyful and dignified. He truly loved his time the team, press, finalists and with all who celebrated with him that evening! 🙏🏾👌🏽 As Clovis himself reflected: ‘Winning the National Diversity Lifetime Achiever Award is an incredible honour, but the real reward has always been seeing how my work has helped bring people closer and created conversations’ Thank you @ndawards and @itvnews for honouring Clovis’ extraordinary contribution to diversity. ✨ #ClovisSalmonOBE #SamTheWheels NationalDiversityAwards [Excerpts: NDA Awards / ITV — used by permission for social media purposes only

Nonagenarian Clovis Salmon received the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Windsor Castle for his services to Culture and the Black Community in 2024. The UK's First Black Commentary Filmmaker and Documentarian of Black British Identity and Experience since the 1950s. Windrush Filmmaker At 97, Clovis Salmon OBE is a venerable icon in the United Kingdom, celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to the fabric of British society. In 1954, he answered Britain’s call for assistance, leaving his homeland to help rebuild the nation. Little did he know that his legacy would extend far beyond bricks and mortar. Clovis, also affectionately known as ‘Sam The Wheels’, is a Windrush Pioneer, celebrated cycling technical extraordinaire, legendary historical filmmaker, archivist, and licensed Minister who has been documenting Black British culture since the 1950s. His pioneering filmmaking has given a voice to marginalised communities, - leaving behind a rich tapestry of human experiences immortalised through his cherished Super 8 camera. Clovis serves as a prominent proponent for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), championing initiatives that promote social justice and equitable opportunities for all individuals. Testimonials: ‘A Truth-Teller with a camera’ “A Pioneer in the Caribbean Community.” “Clovis has been a beacon of inspiration with consistent and dedicated service for years. A true trail blazer and pioneer. Demonstrating and delivering value through his film-making achievements and contribution to cultural preservation through film. I am pleased to vote for him and can recommend him without reservation!” “Excellent representation of black heritage in the UK” “His life and works are a shining example, to all communities.” “Clovis Salmon’s devotion to his camera for numerous decades is admirable, seeking and filming many prominent and memorable occasions. Many people have had the pleasure of reliving special moments due to his filming. Age has never deterred him from his passion for looking behind his lens.” #clovissalmonobe #samthewheels #clovissalmonfilms #clovissalmon #historicalfilmmakers #videography

We extend our heartfelt to @therealfredinwaka @thepowerawards thanks for everything you did in honouring our beloved Clovis, and for the generous hospitality shown to Delores, myself, and the Salmon family as VIP and special guests, on Clovis’s behalf. Clovis would have been so deeply moved by the love and respect you continually show him. I could almost hear him saying, “All this for me?” — and I can imagine a resounding “YES!” from all the Kings & Queens in the room. 🥹🙏🏾 We often wished there had been more time for you, as fellow filmmakers and pioneering trailblazers, to create something powerful together. Nonetheless, you caught the vision to celebrate and elevate him before he abruptly left us all — and it truly feels as though this is where the bond between you took root, where your paths aligned in purpose, and where your shared legacy began to speak — and that legacy continues to speak for you…both.🙏🏽 The tribute video -was actually speechless after seeing this on the large screen on the night 😭, the care, the time taken, and every thoughtful detail behind the scenes, more than we’ll ever know, spoke volumes. Clovis would have been so grateful that he had made such an impact within the community & the younger generations. Your kindness throughout the evening created a sense of ease and welcome that we deeply appreciated. The unity, pride and cultural celebration in the room were profound, reflecting the richness of our shared Black heritage.✊🏽 To have the absolute privilege of presenting this year’s prestigious LTA to one of our most-loved icons, Rudolph Malcolm Walker CBE, remains one of the highest honours — a moment Terry and I will cherish always. 🙏🏽 Carol Wilson-Frith & The Salmon Family Clovis Salmon OBE 1927 - 2025 —- Clovis clip: 🎥 POAM 2024 Last clip:📹 @charles_venn ❤️ #PowerOfAManAwards #POAM2025 #rudolphwalker #ClovisSalmonobe #cclf_uk #HonouringLegacies #BlackHeritage #BlackExcellence #FilmmakersLegacy #CommunityHonour #RudolphWalkerFoundation #samthewheels #UKCommunityAwards #CelebratingIcons #OurCollectiveStory #CarolWilsonFrith

April - A Special Month in Clovis’ life Story: 🕊️ 99th Heavenly Birthday 🕊️ OBE Honours 👊🏾 Brixton Uprising Footage 👊🏾 In His Words. 👊🏾 His Legacy. His Work. ‘Happy Heavenly Birthday to my father Clovis Salmon OBE ESQ. We all miss you so much and there is not a day we don’t have you in our mind. 💔’ - Valerie Hammond, Daughter Today, on Clovis Salmon OBE’s 99th birthday, we remember him with love, honour and gratitude. Despite his age, he was as strong as they come — upright, a fast walker, an avid reader, mentally sharp, and always health-conscious. He loved his long chats with clients outside his home and was, as they say, “as strong as an ox”. His passing was a deep shock to us all. As his mother lived to 104, we truly thought Clovis would make it to 100 or more, and meet the King again, which was something he had hoped for. 👑💔 April holds so much significance in relation to Clovis’ legacy. It marks the month he received his OBE on 7 April 2024, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Black culture and the community through his powerful documentation of Black British life and church culture on film. That same year, further national award recognition followed, affirming what so many already knew: Clovis’ work mattered, and so does his legacy. April also marks 45 years since the Brixton uprising, a pivotal moment in British history which Clovis courageously filmed when others feared to tread. He understood the importance of bearing witness and ensuring our stories were truthfully preserved for future generations. As we remember him following his passing on 18 June 2025, we reflect on how deeply he believed in his work and how much he loved his community. We are sharing some of his footage here. You can see more in his reels on his this page, make an appointment to view his digitised films at @198_cal Gallery on Railton Road, or contact us via the link in bio. A life well-lived.🙏🏽 Videos:At the Legacies Uncovered Human History- LCF/Carol Wilson-Frith event (2006) -OBE reflection at his home - filmed by Carol Wilson-Frith ( 2024) #ClovisSalmonOBE #legaciescovered #BlackBritishHistory #BrixtonUprising

@affinityxtra pay tribute to the incredible legacy of Clovis Constantine Salmon OBE, Esq., through a review of his remarkable archival showreel. This presentation features rare and powerful footage, offering a unique glimpse into the Windrush generation’s experiences and contributions. ‘ In this session, we delve into Clovis Constantine Salmon’s pioneering work in documenting events, from Brixton to Jamaica. The showreel includes a missionary journey back to Jamaica, challenging common perceptions of the Windrush generation’s ability to travel. We see vivid contrasts between the UK’s grey skies and Jamaica’s bright houses, highlighting the different realities faced by those who migrated and those who remained.‘ Watch now on link in TRIBUTES STORIES —— Hon. Clovis Salmon OBE, Esq. Multi-award-winning filmmaker The UK’s first Black documentary filmmaker, emerging in the 1950s ‘Sam The Wheels’ Windrush pioneer 🇯🇲🇬🇧 A pioneering figure in British independent film, his work captures lived experience, preserving stories that form part of the wider tapestry of Black British and human history. PR: @carolwilsonfrith #clovissalmonobe #samthewheels #affinityxtra

A LIFE WELL LIVED - Clovis Salmon OBE, ‘Sam The Wheels’ Clovis’ work spans decades and generations. Through film, he documented African Caribbean life as it was lived - from within, not from the outside looking in. At a time when visibility was limited, when representation and the Black narrative were rarely shaped from within, his work asserted presence, dignity, and self-definition. Long before wellbeing and mental health entered everyday language, that visibility mattered. It steadied people. It affirmed them. 5 February marks UK Time to Talk Day. In a recent interview, Clovis said, …’If you want to do something, then do it. Set your mind on it and try…’ Taking time to talk often takes nurturing and courage - the courage to share what sits beneath the surface and to be heard. For Clovis, conversation was never separate from wellbeing. It was part of how people connected, reflected, and moved forward. For earlier generations, his work opened space for those conversations when few platforms existed. For newer generations, it offers reassurance - that their stories matter, their voices carry weight, and that taking time to talk is not a weakness. This work brought Clovis deep pride. Not for recognition alone, but because it meant something to people, to community, and to history. Take a moment to listen to some of his journey in ‘Untold Stories’, organised by Ros Griffiths and the Empathy Museum, and photographed by Amit Lennon. #ClovisSalmonobe #Sam The Wheels #TimeToTalkDay #blackbritishhistory brixtonuprising

As we step into 2026, we do so following a sensitive period of reflection since Clovis — also known to many as Sam the Wheels — passed in 2025, and we pause with gratitude, holding him close in our thoughts and hearts. And what a life, truly well lived. We are thankful that Clovis was honoured with a powerful, dignified, and statesmanlike homegoing tribute — one that reflected his national significance as the UK’s first Black documentary filmmaker, while still remaining intimate and deeply personal for his family and loved ones. Over the past few years, through his social media presence and the recognition that followed his award wins and public events, many more were given the opportunity to truly see Clovis — not only for the remarkable work he carried out, but for the man he was. We are deeply thankful for this, because ensuring that those who have selflessly served are seen, valued, and remembered in their lifetime is central to the preservation of Black heritage and narratology within society. So many have shared that Clovis felt like an uncle, a brother, or a close friend — a testament to his personable nature and the ease with which he made people feel seen and valued. Clovis’s life’s work — grounded in culture, service, and integrity — continues to live on. Though he has now passed, his presence and values remain felt by all who knew him and those who continue to discover his work. In 2026, we will continue to honour his legacy. Please check back for upcoming moments and reflections celebrating his life’s work. We hope, above all, that Clovis would be truly proud. Thank you to all who honoured him in life — and who continue to honour him beyond it. His legacy lives on.🙏🏾🌹 #clovissalmonobe #samthewheels #historicalfilmmakers #blackbritishhistory #samthewheelsbikes

The amazing @clovissalmonobe . He transitioned to the heavens earlier this year, but his impact on the community will be forever felt and never forgotten. We were honoured to present him with a Life Time Achiever Award last year. This year, members of his family will join us to announce the 2025 lifetime Acheiver and also keep Clovis Salmon OBE name alive. Join us on November 23rd for the ONLY Award show in the country that truly celebrates and puts men of colour on a pedestal. Tickets are available from #thepowerofawomanawards #poam #poamawards #blackmen #blackexcellence #awards #inspiration #MotivationLeaders

Reflections: Homecoming Phase #1 For A Windrush Legend : 16 November 2024 🌟 Last November we celebrated Clovis ‘Sam the wheels’ as a local and national hero, honouring his previous and more recent incredible 2024 achievements. His OBE, graciously lobbied for by the @198_cal Gallery and @helenhayes_ , brought him immense pride alongside his other national @ndawards @thepowerawards major awards. 🌟 The evening at his beloved Brixton Cycles included a film screening, Q&A, and the unveiling of his commemorative plaque for his contribution to the cycling industry ( plaque photo is in previous post). What started as a small gathering of 10 became something truly monumental. We were privileged to watch Clovis’ historic films showing him building wheels at incredible speed and hear his story directly from him. You could have heard a pin drop! His wit and warmth made it unforgettable. 🙏🏽 The night, organised by the Carmen Constantine Legacy Foundation @cclf_uk and @lincolnromain , celebrated his 35+ year friendship with Lincoln, Co-Director of Brixton Cycles, and included guests @ArthurTorringtoncbe , @NubianJak , @jayfletcher , @AlanSlingsby , family, friends and the local community. Heartfelt speeches, shared memories, Clovis’ book written by his granddaughter @liaraoladele and gratitude for the beautiful plaque made it a truly special evening. This was something Clovis really wanted and we are happy he experienced this moment before he left us. Living is an Art, and his art was and continues to be celebrated.#hislegacyliveson 📸 @alanslingsby #samthewheels #cclf #clovissalmon #cyclinglegends #cyclinglegend #blackunitybikeride #bikecyclists #bikerepairlegend #clovissalmonobe #heritagestewardship #heritagepreservation #blackbritons #blackbritishhistory #brixtonblogandbugle #brixtonblog #historicalwheelbuilders #thefastestwheelbuilderinbritain #humanhistory #reclaimingnarratives #reclaimingblacknarratives

Dear Professor Gus John, we are truly honoured and grateful for your powerful tribute to the late Clovis Salmon OBE, Esq. He indeed spoke very highly of you as our national treasure.💎🙏🏽 I’m so pleased that you and Clovis had the opportunity to meet at some point. We appreciate every word. —- Elder Clovis was an inspiration to all those who came within his orbit and he exemplified resistance to the corrosive impact of racism and of class bigotry in the society. He was determined throughout his long life, not to allow anyone, or any challenges or adverse circumstances to render him less than he was within himself, or less than he could be. I first met him through the late Courtney Laws, with whom I did community and youth work in Brixton in the late 1960s. Elder Clovis’ life was a life of service and as an elder, he performed the function of a traditional Elder in the Railton, Coldharbour, Shakespeare and Somerleyton villages of Brixton, touching thousands of lives in ways that he himself could never imagine. As such, he epitomised that wonderful proverb about life and legacy. The legend of those who purposefully plant trees, not expecting to shelter beneath the branches of those trees. So, to invoke the great Linton Kwesi Johnson: Gaa lang Massa Gaa lang and satay (with all your glorious Ancestors) In da palace of Peace! Prof Gus John 🙏🙏🙏 Professor Augustine John Chair - The International Network of Scholars and Activists for Afrikan Reparations Honorary Fellow The UCL Institute of Education University of London Do Right! Fear No One!

Dear @sadiq @mayorofldn Our heartfelt thank you for your tribute to the late Clovis Salmon OBE, Esq. We are grateful that your paths crossed many years ago, when you graciously officially opened my Legacies Uncovered Human History events in Tooting Bec, South London — where Clovis had the opportunity, for the first time, and over many years, to show his films to the public as a special guest. We appreciate every word. ———- Dear Ms. Wilson-Frith and the Salmon Family, It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt respect that I write to extend the Mayor’s sincerest condolences on the passing of Clovis Constantine Salmon OBE, Esq. Please accept, on behalf of the City of London and the Mayor personally, our profound sympathies during this time of mourning and remembrance. Clovis Salmon was a towering figure in the cultural and historical life of our city and our nation. His pioneering work as a filmmaker, documentarian, and community archivist has left an indelible mark on the Black British narrative and on the collective memory of London. Through his lens, he gave voice to stories too often overlooked, and in doing so, he gifted future generations a legacy of truth, dignity, and pride. His contributions—both artistic and personal—resonated far beyond Brixton, where he made his home and heart. The honours he received in his lifetime, including the OBE and multiple lifetime achievement awards, are a testament to the depth of his impact and the esteem in which he was held. His humour, humility, and unwavering commitment to community will be remembered with great affection. Clovis’s life was a gift to this city, and it is only right that we honour him with the reverence and gratitude he so richly deserves. With deepest sympathy and warmest regards, On behalf of the Mayor of London Natasha Graham #ClovisSalmon #SamTheWheels #WindrushLegacy #BlackBritishHistory #Documentaryfilmmaker