La Rose Lane will be officially named in January 2023 as residents welcome the change following previous racist connotations from the old street name
A street in Tottenham, north of london is set to be renamed in honor of the late publisher, poet and essayist Black John LaRose, Haringey Council has announced. The change also comes after the street’s previous name was said to have negative racial connotations.
Haringey resident John La Rose (1927-2006) was an influential figure in the struggle for social justice and recognition for black authors, artists and thinkers. He was originally from Trinidad and Tobago but was involved in the struggle for political independence and cultural and social change in the Caribbean in the 1940s and 1950s and later in Britain, the rest of Europe and the Third World.
The order was taken by Haringey Council on December 7 after the council undertook full talks with residents of Black Boy Lane, a source of ongoing injury for black people. The street will officially be renamed La Rose Lane from 23 January 2023, but house numbers and postcodes will not be affected by the change.
of Royal Mail has also confirmed that there will be a transition period between changing street names to begin, before phasing out the old address in light of the celebration of the respected London figure who played a key role in establishing New Beacon Books at Stroud Green, and later Caribbean Artists Movement.
Leader of Haringey Council, Councillor Peray Ahmet, said: “I am delighted that we are 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 was instrumental in gaining recognition for black authors and artists as well as championing inclusive education.
Renaldo La Rose, John La Rose’s grandson, said: “John’s family is truly proud that John’s life and work should be recognized by having a street named after him. John’s work was of national and international importance, but much of it began here in Haringey. We hope that by commemorating his name in this way, we will bring the message of his work – the urgent need for racial equality and justice – to a new audience.”
