Choice FM Blue Plaque
First black radio station Choice FM has been awarded a Blue Plaque in honour of its contribution to British history
UPDATE!!!!
Choice FM Blue Plaque unveiling postponed due to lockdown restrictions
The Choice FM Blue Plaque Group has postponed its plaque unveiling event until further notice. The unveiling, due to take place on the 7th October, has been put on hold due to the latest lockdown restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Although it is possible to video stream the moment or unveil the plaque without a gathering, the group has agreed to postpone at this time in the hope that it be held in the traditional way as we know it means a lot to the community.
It is hoped, as restriction measures ease in the future and large numbers of people can safely gather, a new event date can be announced soon.
In the meantime we will continue to raise as much money as possible for the African Caribbean Leukemia Trust, so please continue to support the campaign! Follow us on social media for updates on the unveiling and other news.
We really appreciate your support!
ABOUT OUR CAMPAIGN
Do you remember Choice FM radio?
We are a group of former staff members and fans of Choice FM (96.9FM) who are trying to raise money for a blue plaque to celebrate its 30th Year Anniversary and for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. The ACLT is an amazing charity that Choice FM worked closely with during their broadcasting years, to help provide hope for patients living with blood cancer and other illnesses. We aim to unveil a blue heritage plaque in honour of Choice FM, the first and only black radio station with a London wide commercial licence - Date TBC.
The background
On March 31st 1990, a group of pioneering entrepreneurs and DJs delivered the first historic broadcast on the famous 96.9FM frequency. This year marks the 30th year anniversary and to commemorate its history an unveiling of the blue plaque is being organised by the Nubian Jak Community Trust in Brixton, South London.
During its 23 year tenure, the station helped to champion black music of all genres and break acts from around the world. The station also covered stimulating debates on current affairs issues that were not covered by other mainstream stations. In 2004, the station was bought by the Capital Radio broadcasting group (Global) and on the 7th October 2013, it was rebranded as Capital Xtra.
There are 25 blue plaques in Lambeth, celebrating the lives of notable men and women who had a connection with a building in the area. Some of those names include the artists' Vincent Van Gough and Charlie Chaplin. We want Choice FM to be added to this list, giving the station a permanent place in British history. The plaque will ensure that the station will always be remembered.
Support The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust
The donation page was set up to give people the opportunity to support the campaign for the plaque and raise awareness of the history. We also want to raise money for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. so they can continue to do amazing work for those who need their support.
The money raised will cover the manufacturing, installation of the blue plaque, a reception event and funds for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust.
Although we have now hit our £5K minimum target we want to push further to ensure we raise as much money as possible for the ACLT and provide them with much-needed funds to continue the amazing work that they do.
Please share with your networks and support this campaign!
How to get involved?
Share your Choice FM Memories
Do you remember Choice FM? What was your favourite memory of the radio station or what was the biggest tune you remember them playing?
Did you attend the Choice FM Weekenders, Junior Jams??? Share your photos and help us raise awareness and celebrate by sharing your memories using the official hashtag: #ChoiceFMBluePlaque
Follow, Share, Like
On the lead up to the #ChoiceFMBluePlaque unveiling, some of the past DJ's, celebrities and listeners will be sharing their memories too. Follow our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook social channels to reminisce with us and like and share the Choice FM history.
Donate to the Choice FM Blue Plaque & ACLT Fund
The plaque has been funded by the Choice FM Blue Plaque Group and other members of the black community who are making donations through a
Go Fund Me campaign. The donation page was set up to give people the opportunity to support the campaign for the plaque and raise awareness of the history. Funds raised will also be donated to The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT).
Choice FM worked closely with the charity during their broadcasting years, to help provide hope for patients living with blood cancer and other illnesses. The Choice FM Blue Plaque Group continue to support their work through the campaign.
This blue plaque will ensure that the station and its community will always be remembered.
Flashback to Choice FM's 18th Birthday Party