By Eugene Smith – The founder of The Voice Newspaper, Val McCalla has been honoured, as a Great Black Briton. His memory was celebrated by a Black plaque, which will be replaced with a permanent blue plaque by the Nubian Jak Community Trust in the near future.
The Blue Star Building in Stockwell Road Brixton, London is home to the Origins of The Voice Newspaper.
Val McCalla, was born in Kingston Jamaica on 3rd October 1943. He studied accountancy at Kingston College, Jamaica. McCalla travelled to England in May 1959, at the age of 15.
He joined the Royal Airforce, unfortunately a perforated eardrum halted his dream of becoming a pilot. McCalla, in the mid 60s found employment in various accounts and book-keeping positions and later found part-time job in a community newspaper, called East End News, based close to his flat in Bethnal Green.
He started The Voice newspaper in August 1982, with a team that included the broadcaster Alex Pascall.
The Voice newspaper was launched at the Notting Hill carnival that same year, 1982.
McCalla died from liver failure aged 58, 22nd August 2002, in Seaford, East Sussex, where he was buried.
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