One of the founders of the Notting Hill Carnival has died, aged 90. Sam King MBE also made history after becoming the first black mayor of Southwork. He has been described as a “pioneer” in black British politics, breaking barriers in political and public life.
Born in Jamaica, he came to the UK in 1948 and helped organise a 1964 festival which would later become the Notting Hill Carnival. The annual attraction now draws more than one million revellers each year, making it one of the largest street festivals in the world. In 2006, a poll of Britons named it as one of the most iconic elements of English culture.
He was made an MBE in 2006.
Mr King’s daughter has confirmed he died following ill health and passed away surrounded by his family.
Speaking on BBC Radio London, Diane Abbott, who was the first black woman to be elected to the House of Commons, said: “Someone like myself who was fortunate to become an MP stands on the shoulders of people like Sam King.” She added that he was a “very dignified and very gentlemanly’ person to know.
Labour MP Harriet Harman tweeted: “RIP Sam King MBE. Wonderful man. Today Southwark mourns- but Southwark is proud.”
