The final weekend of August is here, we remember activist, feminist and journalist #ClaudiaJones. She founded Britains first major black newspaper, The West Indian Gazette in #1958. Her last essay published in #Freedomways in the summer of #1964 ( shortly before she passed away) "The newspaper has served as a catalyst, quickening the awareness, socially and politically, of West Indians, Afro-Asians and their friends. Its editorial stand is for a united, independent West Indies, full economic, social and political equality and respect for human dignity for West Indians and Afro-Asians in Britain, and for peace and friendship between all Commonwealth and world peoples.” 💯 >>> As a result of the race riots of Britain in 1958, Caludia identified the need to “wash the taste of #NottingHill and #Nottingham out of our mouths”. It was suggested that the British black community should have a #carnival. Jones used her connections to gain use of St Pancras Town Hall in January 1959 for the first Mardi-Gras-based carnival, which was directed by Edric Connor and headlined the Boscoe Holder Dance Troupe, jazz guitarist Fitzroy Coleman and singer Cleo Laine; and was televised nationally by the BBC. These early celebrations were epitomised by the slogan: “A people’s art is the genesis of their freedom.” #NottinghillCarnival #ClaudiaJones #Finchandpartners Happy carnival 🇯🇲🇬🇧❤️