Winner of the Lifetime Achiever at the 2024 National Diversity Awards
At 97, Clovis Salmon OBE ESQ is a venerable UK icon. In 1954, he left his homeland to help rebuild war-torn Britain. Little did he know that his legacy would extend far beyond bricks and mortar and that he would become an iconic figure in the Windrush generation and in British society. Known as ‘Sam The Wheels’, Clovis is a Windrush Pioneer, cycling technician, retired minister, archivist and the UK's First Black Commentary Filmmaker and Documentarian of Black British Identity and Experience since the 1950s to the early 2000s. He has documented British and Black British life and culture, including the Brixton Uprising in 1981. Clovis’ films feature in major documentaries, venues and newspapers as well as being archived at institutions like the BBC and BFI. They serve as wellbeing 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.
Clovis shares his thoughts on his work and the influence it aims to offer.
How my work has affected people
At my age, I look back with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection on the impact my work has had. Many people from all races and backgrounds within my community have expressed how happy they are to see our lives, our struggles and our triumphs documented and preserved. I feel a deep sense of pride knowing that the films I’ve made over the years—capturing British life, Black British life, families, political events such as the Brixton uprising in 1981, and communities—have touched so many hearts.
Since the 1950s, I’ve worked tirelessly to film and document moments that others might have overlooked or forgotten. Through my camera, I’ve told the stories of families, communities and individuals who have shaped the fabric of this country. These stories were often missing from mainstream narratives and I knew it was crucial to preserve them. What’s been most rewarding is hearing from people who have watched these films and said they see their own families, their own struggles and their own joys reflected. It gives them a sense of pride and a deeper understanding of who they are and where they come from.
For the Black community in particular, I’ve helped capture not just our challenges, but also our strength, resilience and accomplishments. When I see how my work has inspired younger generations to take pride in their heritage, continue the fight for justice, and tell their own stories, it fills me with joy. I’ve always believed in the power of stories to bring people together, to bridge divides, and to create unity—no matter our race or background.
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, created conversations and sparked a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of life in this country.
My hope is that the legacy of these films will continue to inspire and educate for many years to come. As I am in the twilight of my years, I am deeply content knowing that the work I’ve done has made a lasting impact and will continue to influence future generations.
Why I started out on this journey:
It all began in 1959 when I decided to buy a projector. Back then, I knew very little about filmmaking but something about it called to me. I’d watched films on television and that sparked a curiosity to learn more. So, I took the leap and bought that projector!
I taught myself how to use it, learning by trial and error. There were many mistakes, but with each one my determination grew stronger. I spent countless hours practising, figuring things out as I went, until I finally mastered it. Looking back, I believe it was God's purpose for my life, as if I was meant to capture those stories that so often went unnoticed. It wasn’t planned, but it turned into a journey I never could have imagined.
You're never too old to keep making a difference
I suppose, in some ways, this Award validates my purpose. At this stage in life, it’s not just about the accolades; it’s about knowing that what I’ve done has made a difference. This award will certainly help me continue that work, giving me the opportunity to reach more people and ensure our histories are never forgotten.
The activity I believe has had the greatest impact
The work I’ve done over the years capturing the lives of Black communities in the UK has, I believe, been the most impactful. I’ve been creating videos since the 1950s and what makes this work so strong (and important) is how it brings to light stories and moments that have often been misunderstood, overlooked or left out of the broader narrative. I truly feel that my films have helped to reclaim and share Black narratives, providing a more accurate picture of our lives and experiences. I hope this has contributed to the ongoing conversation about equality, diversity and inclusion.
I also think my bicycle repair expertise has had a great impact on my career and my community. My contributions to the bicycle industry as a pioneering mechanical expert—building hundreds of wheels in record time—are still recognised by my peers, which means so much to me. That’s how I earned the nickname “Sam The Wheels” as a mark of respect, and it’s something I’m very proud of. At my age, it’s a true blessing to still have clients who come back to me, valuing the skill and dedication I’ve put into my work over the years.
Being honoured with this lifetime award at 97, as a Black individual in the UK is not only humbling, but it also highlights just how important it is to preserve our history through film.
I am proud of the recognition my films have received. Those who’ve had the chance to see them often tell me how powerful and valuable they are, helping others understand the richness of our lives, our struggles and our triumphs. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling, and I’m grateful that my work as a videographer has made a lasting difference. For me, this recognition is more than just an accolade—it’s about ensuring that our stories are remembered, shared, and passed on to future generations.
With hindsight what I would have done differently:
Knowing what I do now, yes, there is something I would have done differently. I would have converted all my film footage to discs much earlier if I had the means to do so. It’s a mammoth task and not one for the faint-hearted! The process of digitising my work has been incredibly costly and it presented huge challenges along the way. Even now, there are still thousands of hours of footage left to digitise—work I haven’t seen in decades. But I still hold hope that this will happen sooner rather than later and that I’ll be able to see all of it before I leave this life, God willing. Preserving these stories has always been a priority for me and I want to make sure they’re there for future generations to learn from and appreciate. I wholeheartedly hope this happens for me, and I’m deeply thankful for the team I have around me, who are reaching out and working hard to make this dream a reality.
The advice I would give to other people trying to help their community:
It’s simple! Find something you truly enjoy and learn it well. Keep that skill in your heart and mind and continue practising it, no matter how long it takes. One day, when the time is right, the work you’ve done will be recognised.
I’d also say to never give up, because change will come, even if it takes longer than expected. You never know the impact your work will have on others, even generations later.
I’ll share why. Real change came for me on a national level in my 70s, in 2002, when Carol (Wilson-Frith), a family friend, saw my work at my home and resolved to help share, elevate, and champion me as a Windrush pioneer and my historical films at her annual ‘Legacies Uncovered Human History’ events in London. I had filmed her family over the years from the early ‘50s—some even before she was born. Her father, Constantine, attended the same church as me and had been my best friend since she was a young child. Seeing these films, she resolved to help the world see my work and the face behind it. She has always had my best interests at heart, as she deeply loves her elders and wants our contributions to British society to be known, celebrated, and preserved. There are not many of us left anymore...
This later led to exposure and contact from George Butler of Mutiny Media, who helped digitise five hours of my films. George, Lucy Davies, and Sandi Hudson-Francis opened more doors for my work to be screened and archived at incredible institutions such as the BBC, BFI, BCA, Tate Modern, Barbican, Autograph ABP, 198 CAL, National Portrait Gallery, Museum of London, and Sheffield DocFest. It was truly amazing and humbling. I was interviewed for The Guardian alongside numerous other newspapers and magazines.
I say all that to say this: keep on keeping on. Do the right thing in life for yourself and others, believe in yourself and don’t give up. Eventually, doors will open for you.
Now, at 97, I’m so grateful. It brings me great joy to see the number of people who approached me at the National Diversity Awards, thanking me for the work I’ve done and how I have helped my community. Patience, persistence and passion—those are the keys.
The people who have inspired me:
There are people and places that have inspired me deeply and I’d say the Black community around Windrush Square in Brixton is truly close to my heart. The African Caribbean War Memorial there honours the millions of men and women from the Commonwealth who were called upon and came to serve and defend Britain, their mother country, during the two World Wars. Each year, the Remembrance Sunday service, organised by the Nubian Jak Community Trust, Black Cultural Archives and West Indian Association of Service Personnel, moves me beyond words. Watching the veterans, some in their late 90s, proudly parading in uniforms and medals, alongside young cadets, fills me with such pride.
I’m also incredibly grateful to the Black Cultural Archives for preserving my historical films and sharing them with the community. And I couldn’t be prouder of my small team—my film agent, Lucy Davies; my PR agent, Carol Wilson-Frith, a true champion of the Windrush Pioneers, and my granddaughter Liara Hammond Oladele, who has written two books in my honour. They work tirelessly to bring my work to national and global audiences and their encouragement inspires me. My wife, daughters, son-in-law and family inspire me every day with their support and pride, which truly keeps me going. Carol often says to me, “You must get your flowers while you’re here so you can see the fruits of your labour.” That means so much at this stage in my life.
I’m inspired, too, by the younger generation of filmmakers, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring. They bring fresh voices to our stories and I hope they continue sharing our narratives long into the future.
The ways local or national government can help me in my work:
It would be wonderful if I were able to receive some funding to help me purchase the right equipment to convert all my videos from Beta Max, VHS and other outdated formats to digital discs. This process is incredibly costly and time-consuming, and the right equipment is crucial to preserving these valuable pieces of history. These films capture decades of Black life and experiences in the UK and I’ve dedicated so much of my life to documenting them. With support, I would be able to ensure that these stories are preserved for future generations to learn from and appreciate. It’s important that the work I’ve done continues to be accessible to everyone. And with the right help, I hope to complete this task during my lifetime.
My next goals:
As well as converting all of my videos to discs, I hope to hold a big exhibition of my film work and historical artifacts at a museum both in London and the USA. I would also love to work with a young or seasoned filmmaker and director for us to bring our viewpoints and skills together in a special, impactful way. These videos hold the stories of our community and I want to make sure they’re preserved for future generations. It’s important to me to ensure that these stories, our stories, continue to live on.
My evening at the National Diversity Awards ceremony:
I’ll share a funny story with you—by the time the night was nearing midnight, I had already put on my coat, scarf and hat, convinced that I hadn’t won in my category. Due to my hearing challenges, it can be difficult for me to discern everything going on around me. I was already extremely content with my lovely, shortlisted finalist certificate sitting on my table and, in all honestly, I thought that was more than enough. But then Carol came over to help me, just in case I did win. In rapid time, while my bio was being read, she quickly had to remove my hat, scarf and coat, managing to get everything off just in time for Clare Balding and Paul Sesay to announce my name! We were all just so amazed. I was beyond shocked and overjoyed—it was an emotional moment I’ll never forget. I can’t thank the National Diversity Awards enough for that extraordinary experience.
I’m still basking in the glow of that unforgettable evening, and all my friends and family have been sharing in my joy. It’s been a whirlwind of warmth and well-wishes, and I’m just so grateful to everyone who’s reached out.
What I think the award really means:
I was honoured with an OBE in April 2024 and I have now received the NDA Lifetime Achiever Award in October 2024. The experience has been profound for me. But I do believe this award will benefit me in ways that go beyond just personal recognition.
It is deeply rewarding to know that the work I’ve done over the years, especially in documenting Black British life, has had a lasting impact. This award gives me the sense that my contributions, no matter how small they seemed at times, are appreciated by others. It reinforces the importance of preserving our history for future generations.
This recognition also brings me a sense of fulfilment—after so many years of capturing stories and moments that were often misinterpreted or unknown, to be acknowledged now feels like a blessing. It gives me renewed energy to continue sharing those stories and, perhaps, encourages others to pick up the baton and tell their tales.
This award is not just for me—it’s for all the stories we’ve shared and all the people who’ve walked this journey with me. It’s a reminder that, even at 97, there is still work to be done, and I am thankful for the opportunity to do it.