The campaign highlights our commitment to championing Black game-changers in the Chelsea community.

This February, which is US Black History Month, Chelsea Foundation has spotlighted leading photographer and creative Mel D. Cole.

As the founder of Charcoal Pitch FC, the first Black-owned football photography agency, Mel is also paving the way for Black photographers across the football industry.

Collaborating with Chelsea once again, Mel delivered a virtual workshop at Stamford Bridge for a Chelsea Foundation partner school, educating the students on his journey into photography, as well as the power of creativity when it comes to enacting social change.

We sat down with Mel to hear his reflections on Black history, Chelsea’s work championing Black voices, and the impact of photography in making history…

So Mel, why do you think a campaign like Making History Everyday is so important?

The amplification of Black stories is not only important during Black History Month; it is important all year round. This campaign gives people like myself a bigger platform to reach an audience that I may have not reached before. 

Thinking about all of the History Makers who have paved the way across society from the Black community, who has been your biggest inspiration and why?

My grandmother. She inspired me to see the world when I didn’t think it was possible for someone like me, who grew up on the south side of Syracuse, NY, which still to this day isn’t an easy place to live. Travelling allows you to see that there’s more than meets the eye and that there really is a world beyond what you have seen or heard. 

Who would you say has been the biggest History Maker you've worked with, and why? 

If I had to pick just one person, I guess I would say Questlove. He is not only someone that I have worked with but he is a friend, and seeing your friends do big things is inspiring. He is one of the most creative and hardest people that I have ever met! A Grammy-winning drummer, music director, author, Academy award-winning director and so much more. He is HIM!

Is there a moment during your photography journey so far that stands out most to you?

Yes – when I started with a disposable camera back in the day, then publishing two books and being awarded Press Photographer of the Year for my work during January 6, 2021 at the US Capitol Building. Oh, and let’s not forget being able to host The Bridge for several seasons!

What has your work with Chelsea shown you about the club's global community? 

Working with Chelsea for the last four years has shown the club’s reach is extremely diverse and massive. 

Why do you think Chelsea are doing unique things in this space?

I think it is very important to the club and its supporters to champion Black voices on and off the pitch and Chelsea has been doing an amazing job at it before I partnered with them, and I’m sure this inclusivity will continue for years to come. 

What would you say your greatest achievement has been?

My greatest achievement to date is seeing that my son has everything that he needs to become a successful person and have a brighter future than myself. 

What does it mean to you to be chosen as a History Maker?  

It’s a huge honour to be recognised for my accomplishments. I am nothing without you, yes you: the people.  

What drives your passion for working with young photographers in London? 

I love mentoring today’s youth whether it’s here in NYC, London or anywhere in the world. Young photographers at times need guidance and I am always here for it.  

What do you think the role of photography can be in making history? 

Photography provides us with a visual record of what happened within moments. Photography these days is such a ubiquitous thing that most humans take it for granted. In my opinion the invention of photography is one of the most important tools to ever be created by mankind.