For a special series to mark the start of Black History Month, The Sun asked top names from the worlds of sport, music and TV to write about their own personal hero from Black History - both famous and forgotten.

The Sun is the first tabloid newspaper to celebrate Black History Month in this way.

Lewis Hamilton said: “Storytelling is one of the most important things out there today. That’s why I am so grateful to hear that The Sun is doing this special series because there is so much we don't know about black history and it is so helpful, because there are so many great stories out there and they should be heard.”

Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Victoria Newton said:  “Over the summer we hosted a panel discussion on race, Time For Change, - featuring World Heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua, Trevor Phillips and Katharine Birbalsingh - and we’re delighted to be following it up this week with a joyful celebration of Black heroes from the past, nominated by influential figures in public life today.

“It was a particular honour to speak to Lewis Hamilton about his role model, Muhammed Ali, and we’re delighted that the F1 star is supporting this important Sun project.

“For us to understand where we are, and how we got here, it’s clear we need to understand our shared history.”