*Official Public Announcement

From Carol Wilson-Frith, PR Agent for Clovis Constantine Salmon OBE, Esq.

On behalf of the Salmon Family*

It is with deep sadness, honour, and gratitude that we announce the passing of Clovis Constantine Salmon OBE, Esq., who departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, 18 June 2025, at 11:40am, at King’s College Hospital, London, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on 13 April 1927 in Baalbec, St. Elizabeth, Nain District, Jamaica, Clovis leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a cultural giant, creative pioneer, and beloved patriarch. His loss is profoundly felt by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many communities—both in the UK and globally—whose lives he touched across generations.

Clovis was a trailblazer in every sense — widely recognised as the UK’s first major Black historical documentary filmmaker. Affectionately known as ‘Sam The Wheels’, Clovis was also a bicycle technician extraordinaire. Through his groundbreaking filmwork, he preserved and honoured the stories of Caribbean and African communities in Britain, at a time when their histories were often overlooked. His films and photography stand as an enduring archive of Black British life, memory, and identity.

Since the early 1950s, he resided in his home on Railton Road, in his beloved Brixton, South London, where he lived with his wife, Delores, until his passing. Clovis was a devoted husband, father to five children, grandfather to ten, and had many great-grandchildren. His family was his deepest pride and joy — and, in return, their love and community.

Awards:

• Order of the British Empire (OBE) in April 2024

• The National Diversity Awards Lifetime Achiever Award in October 2024

• The Power of a Man Lifetime Achiever Award in November 2024

In tribute to his legacy, Lambeth Council installed a public monument of historic bikes outside his Brixton home — a permanent symbol of his contribution to heritage and community.

While we mourn the profound loss of Clovis, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion, and unwavering commitment to truth and legacy. His vision helped shape a more inclusive understanding of British history, and his voice will echo on for generations.

For private screening enquiries of Clovis’ historical filmwork, please contact:

📩 carolwilson-frith@clovissalmonobe.org

On behalf of the Salmon family, I extend sincere thanks to all who continue to honour Clovis’ memory. Your support brings comfort during this time of grief, and your recognition helps keep his legacy alive.

Carol Wilson-Frith

PR Agent for Clovis Constantine Salmon OBE, Esq.