2024 Winner
Lifetime Achiever Award
At 97, Clovis Salmon OBE is a venerable UK icon. In 1954, he left his homeland to help rebuild war-torn Britain. Known as ‘Sam The Wheels’, Clovis is a Windrush Pioneer, cycling technician, retired minister, archivist, and the UK’s first Black documentary filmmaker. He has documented Black British life and culture from the 1950s to the present day, including the Brixton Uprising in 1981. Clovis’ films feature in major documentaries, venues, and newspapers, and are archived at institutions like the BBC. They serve as well-being and heritage preservation, amplifying and validating the journeys and voices of those whose stories might otherwise fade into history, inspiring social change. Clovis’ significant contribution to the bicycle industry is also acknowledged. Honoured with an OBE in April 2024, Clovis’ journey, ‘From The Bush To The Castle,’ reflects unity and compassion, inspiring future generations.