Call to change street name linked to racism

Residents are being invited to have their say on a plan to change a street name that has been linked to racism.

Haringey Council wants to hear people’s views on whether to rename Black Boy Lane, in West Green, to ‘La Rose Lane’ in honour of former Haringey resident, publisher, essayist and poet John La Rose.

Although the exact origin of the street name is still debated, the council says the term “black boy” is now most commonly used as a derogatory name for men of African heritage.

The proposed renaming comes as part of a review of monument, building, place and street names in Haringey launched after the Black Lives Matter demonstrations last summer.

In the first phase of the consultation, residents picked La Rose Lane as their preference for a new name for the street. The second phase of the consultation, which was approved by the corporate committee in December, is now open and will run until Friday, 19th February.

Council leader Joseph Ejiofor said: “The journey to completely eradicating racism, prejudice and discrimination is a long one. But while I am sure that we all want to get to this destination, we need to accept that a journey of a million miles starts with just a single step. Changing the name of this road is that first step.

“While we appreciate this is a difficult time for everyone, and responding to consultations such as this may be more challenging, we believe that now, more than ever, we should seek to send out a clear message in support of the diversity in our borough.”

To take part in the consultation: Call 020 8489 3797 Email [email protected]  Visit https://www.haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/culture/review-monuments-building-place-and-street-names-haringey/renaming-black-boy-lane Write Consultation co-ordinator, The Communications Team, River Park House, 225 High Road, Wood Green, N22 8HQ