Haringey’s pioneering Black LGBT+ activists honoured

Plaque commemorating Haringey’s historic Black LGBT+ activism unveiled in Tottenham

A plaque honouring Haringey’s history of Black LGBT+ activism has been unveiled in Tottenham.

On Saturday 30th October, council leaders and local activists attended the plaque unveiling, which commemorates the ‘Smash the Backlash’ march of 1987.

The march, organised by Haringey Black Action and Positive Images, was one of the first UK protests to focus on the challenges faced by Black lesbians and gay men. The 3,500 strong crowd marched from Ducketts Common to Bruce Castle Park, via The Roundway.

The memorial plaque is located at the junction of The Roundway and Lordship Lane where the borough’s third rainbow crossing was also opened.

Veteran activist, Lessa Harding said: “In 1987 two groups, Haringey Black Action and Positive Images joined forces to organise the historic Smash the Backlash march through the streets of Haringey against racism and bigotry.

“I was centrally involved in organising the march and remember it very well. Looking back, I am proud at what we achieved and believe the Smash the Backlash march and the work of many in Haringey played an important role in changing history. Since then, we have lived through massive cultural and political change transforming life for many LGBTQ+ communities and society in the UK. But there is much more to tackle as we have seen through Black Lives Matters and the ongoing violence against women.”

Following the unveiling of the crossing and commemorative plaque, attendees moved on to an event at Bruce Castle Museum to celebrate the work of those pioneering activists and their historic fight for rights.

Cllr Seema Chandwani, cabinet member for customer service, welfare and the public realm, said: “I’m delighted that this plaque will show our current and future generations that change is possible, and teach them about people in this community who fought for it.

“This borough has a proud heritage of championing human rights – we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to standing for all people, regardless of their backgrounds.”

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