English Heritage has announced a new blue plaque to honor Una Marson, a pioneering Jamaican poet, playwright, broadcaster, and advocate for racial and gender equality. The plaque will be placed at The Mansions on Mill Lane in West Hampstead, where Marson lived from at least 1939 to 1943—a period that marked the start of her groundbreaking work with the BBC.
Marson was the first Black woman to work as a BBC programme assistant and later became the first Black female producer. During her time at The Mansions, she created influential radio programmes, including Calling the West Indies, which connected Caribbean servicemen in Britain with their families back home. She also launched Caribbean Voices, a programme that became a crucial platform for emerging Caribbean writers and continued broadcasting until 1958.
Recognizing a Cultural and Literary Pioneer
Howard Spencer, Senior Historian at English Heritage, praised Marson’s lasting influence.
“Una Marson was a true pioneer, breaking barriers, making an important wartime contribution, and forging new paths for Black women in Britain and beyond,” he said. “This blue plaque is a well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary contributions to broadcasting, literature, and social justice. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to all who strive for a more just and inclusive world.”
The Mansions was not just Marson’s home but also a vibrant social and intellectual hub. According to her biographer, Delia Jarrett-Macauley, she often hosted journalists, writers, and West Indian soldiers in a warm and welcoming environment filled with parties, music, and discussions. Her work during this time cemented her status as a cultural and literary pioneer, blending broadcasting with a deep commitment to amplifying Caribbean voices.
A Life Dedicated to Equality and Creativity
Born in Jamaica in 1905, Marson began her career in journalism and editing before moving to London in 1932. She quickly became involved in activism, joining the League of Coloured Peoples and editing its journal, The Keys. Throughout her life, she fought for racial and gender equality, using her writing and broadcasting skills to raise awareness of these issues.
After World War II, Marson returned to Jamaica but continued to travel extensively, spending time in the United States and other countries. Her literary contributions remain significant, with her poetry, plays, and journalism addressing themes of race, gender, and identity.
Marson also made history in the theatre world. Her play At What a Price (1933) is considered the first by a Black woman to be staged in London, further solidifying her role as a pioneering Black feminist voice.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Una Marson’s influence extends far beyond her lifetime. Through her radio work, she provided a platform for Caribbean writers who would go on to shape the literary world. Her advocacy for social justice paved the way for future generations of activists and creatives.
With this blue plaque, English Heritage ensures that her contributions to literature, broadcasting, and equality are recognized and remembered.
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