A new name has been agreed for a road that residents campaigned over racist connotations.
The campaign to rename Black Boy Lane in South Tottenham launched following the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.
Haringey Council have announced that it will finally be renamed in early 2023 to La Rose Lane.
It is named in honour of former Haringey resident John La Rose (1927-2006), who was an influential figure in the struggle for social justice and recognition for Black authors, artists and thinkers. He played a key role in founding New Beacon Books in Stroud Green, and later the Caribbean Artists’ Movement.
A legal order issued last Wednesday (December 7) will set the renaming process in motion, and the change will happen on January 23.
The council says that house numbers and postcodes will not be affected and organisations including the Royal Mail will continue to recognise the old name of the street for a transitional period to minimise the inconvenience for residents.
A voluntary £300 payment is being offered to households affected by any disruption.
Cllr Peray Ahmet, leader of Haringey Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to pay tribute to John La Rose with a new street name.
“John made such a huge contribution to Black life both here in Haringey and across the UK and played an important role in gaining recognition for Black authors and artists, as well as championing inclusive education.
“I understand that this is a decision which has generated passionate responses. Several rounds of consultation were held, and I know that the corporate committee took the full range of views into consideration when deciding to change the name of the road. It is time now to move forward with this. “
Renaldo La Rose, grandson of John La Rose, said: “John’s family are really proud that John’s life and work is to be recognised by having a road named after him.
“John’s work was of national and international significance but much of it started here in Haringey.
“We hope that through having his name memorialised in this way we will bring the message of his work - the urgent need for race equality and justice - to a new audience.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel