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Black Boy Lane to be officially renamed in January

7 December 2022
3 Min Read

The decision was made following two years of consultation with residents
By Alice Kemp-Habib

Credit: Stephen Furner
Credit: Stephen Furner

Black Boy Lane in Tottenham will be officially renamed in January 2023. 

A legal order was issued today (Wednesday, 7th December), after Haringey Council’s Corporate Committee voted to change the street’s name to La Rose Lane, after the late poet, essayist and Haringey resident John La Rose.

The decision was made in response to concerns that the name Black Boy Lane had racist connotations, and comes following two years of consultation and debate. 

The council is offering residents £300 to help with the transition and has assured locals that house numbers and postcodes will not be affected. Organisations including Royal Mail will continue to recognise the old name of the street for a period to minimise inconvenience.

John La Rose 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.

The leader of Haringey Council, Peray Ahmet, 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. 

 “While every effort is being made to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible, we recognise the name change will cause some disruption for residents, so I’m pleased that we’re able to make a £300 voluntary payment to affected households. Our officers will be out and about in the area over the coming weeks providing practical support to residents who need it. 

“I also want to be clear that this is just one small part of the work that we must do to ensure Haringey is a place where everyone feels welcome and included.  I look forward to working with residents and communities on this important mission in the months and years to come.”

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.”

Find out more about the decision to rename the street, the life of John La Rose, and how residents can access support, here: haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/culture/review-monuments-building-place-and-street-names-haringey/renaming-black-boy-lane

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