Day 4. Una Marson First Black Woman Broadcaster at the BBC.
Today, we honor Una Marson, the trailblazing Jamaican poet, playwright, and activist who became the first Black woman broadcaster at the BBC. Through her voice, pen, and vision, she elevated Caribbean culture on the global stage and broke barriers for Black women in media.
A Creative Force From Jamaica to London
Born in 1905 in Jamaica, Una Marson began her career as a writer and journalist, becoming the editor of the Jamaica Critic and later founding her own magazine, The Cosmopolitan. Her poetry and plays centered the lives of Caribbean people, particularly women, with themes of identity, colonization, and empowerment.
In 1932, she moved to London and quickly became active in both the literary and political scenes. Her work was deeply influenced by her experience as a Black woman navigating British society. Marson often spoke out against racism and sexism—both subtle and overt—through her art and activism.
Breaking Barriers at the BBC
In 1941, Una Marson made history by becoming the first Black woman employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation. She was a producer and presenter for “Calling the West Indies,” a groundbreaking program that connected Caribbean soldiers fighting in World War II with their families back home.
Later, she helped shape “Caribbean Voices,” a literary program that became a launchpad for many emerging Caribbean writers—Derek Walcott, V.S. Naipaul, and George Lamming among them.
“I must write from the depth of my own experiences and allow that truth to echo in the voices of others.” — Una Marson
A Legacy of Literary and Cultural Empowerment
Una Marson’s poetry—collected in volumes like Tropic Reveries, Heights and Depths, and The Moth and the Star—explores love, loneliness, colonialism, and belonging. As one of the first Caribbean feminist voices in literature, she paved the way for future generations of women writers.
Despite struggling with depression and institutional racism, Marson’s courage and creative power helped to forge a cultural bridge between the Caribbean and the wider world.
Learn More About Una Marson
📖 Books & Poetry:
– Selected Poems of Una Marson, edited by Alison Donnell Find libraries near you with copies.
– The Life of Una Marson by Delia Jarrett-Macauley
🎥 Documentary & Audio:
– Caribbean Voices from BBC History
– Writing Black Britain, 1948–1998 (Literary essays on her impact)
Today’s Reflection
Una Marson knew the power of story and sound to unite people across oceans. She turned her personal journey into a platform for collective expression, especially for Black women whose voices were often silenced.
As we honor her today, we ask:
💬 How are we using media, art, and voice to uplift our communities?
💬 Who still needs a microphone handed to them—and are we ready to listen?
Join us next time as we explore the political powerhouse that is Shirley Chisholm.
Join us each day this month as we spotlight a different Caribbean American whose legacy calls us to reflect, learn, and celebrate. These stories are about community, culture, and the contributions that come from the rich intersections of heritage and homeland. Our weekly themes will help guide us through different aspects of Caribbean American influence—from activism to art, invention to entrepreneurship—creating a mosaic of identity that is as joyful as it is complex.
Learn More: Caribbean Literary Heritage: U is for Una Marson – This online resource shares information on Marson’s life, work, and impact on history.
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