Legendary newsreader and journalist Sir Trevor McDonald has joined forces with Amazon’s Alexa to celebrate Black History Month 2022. The aim of this partnership is to share untold empowering stories from black British history through the narration of the broadcasting icon.
Amazon has collaborated with some of the UK’s best-selling black authors to bring a selection of powerful black British stories to Alexa. These feature tales about Claudia Jones, the founder of Notting Hill Carnival, British designer Althea McNish and Evelyn Dove, the first black singer to feature on BBC Radio.
They are available to listen to from today (October 1) and are all narrated by Sir Trevor McDonald. Alexa users can hear these stories simply by asking: “Alexa, tell me a story about black British history”, to which the familiar tones of Sir Trevor will reply.
Penned by best-selling authors Frances Mensah Williams, Dreda Say Mitchell MBE and Lauren Rae, the three unique short stories will explore the lives of the selected black Brits, hopefully inspiring future generations to continue breaking barriers. Sir Trevor McDonald said: “This project is, to my mind, invaluable.
“It makes known and makes more accessible, the lives of people who were great influencers in our communities - but, would not be known, unless the stories of their lives were recorded and put down in a way that we can all learn from them. I think it’s most important that these people, and what they did, is not forgotten, is talked about, and part of our history.”
Sir Trevor will detail the stories of the following significant figures of black British history:
Althea McNish: One of the first black British designers to establish an international reputation. Dreda Say Mitchell said: “Althea McNish’s extraordinary career changed post-war British design forever. She fearlessly pathed the way for future black British designers and taught black women to dream BIG.”
Evelyn Dove: The first black singer to feature on BBC Radio. Frances Mensah Williams said: “Evelyn Dove is a shining example of an ordinary black woman with extraordinary talent. Her courage and determination to use her remarkable voice and abilities to face down racial barriers forged a path for today’s black British performers.”
Claudia Jones: The founder of the iconic Notting Hill Carnival. Lauren Rae said: “Claudia Jones was a true pioneer for West Indian culture in the UK. Her efforts paved the way for the Notting Hill Carnival I know and love today, she truly is deserving of the title ‘Mother of Notting Hill Carnival’.”
Nathaniel Brooks, Amazon Black Employee Network (BEN) UK board member, explained: “Black History Month is a time to celebrate black history, culture and heritage. I’m excited for Alexa customers in the UK, who are now able to listen to powerful short stories of three black British trailblazers by renowned authors.
“It's an honour to have legendary broadcaster, Sir Trevor McDonald bring their stories to life on Alexa. Their stories are just as important now, as we continue to highlight the achievements of black people in the UK, that have so often been overlooked."
