New street signs for former ‘Black Boy Lane’ vandalised

The new street signs, renamed after local activist John La Rose, were defaced on Monday, reports Olivia Opara

A launch event was held for newly-named La Rose Lane on Monday (credit J. Tabois)

New signs for the street formerly known as ‘Black Boy Lane’ were vandalised on Tuesday, 24^th January.

The new road signs were smeared with black paint only one day after the official name change to ‘La Rose Lane’, which has been met with a mixed response and criticism online.

Some claim that it is a waste of council money that could have gone toward investing in the local community. However, others believe that this name change is a positive way to honour John La Rose, a Black political activist, writer and founder of New Beacon Books.

In an exclusive comment made to Haringey Community Press, Peray Ahmet, leader of Haringey council, said: “I am sad and disappointed that one of the La Rose Lane Street names has been vandalised within twenty-four hours of us marking such a historic moment.

“We had a memorable launch [on Monday] where we celebrated the life and legacy of John La Rose with his friends and family present to remember an iconic figure.

The vandalised road sign in La Rose Lane

“La Rose Lane makes visible a political history few people will know about because it has been rendered invisible: a history of struggle and resistance which transformed this nation. When people see John’s name they will have the opportunity to discover and learn.

“I fully understand that this is a decision that has generated passionate responses and our corporate committee took those full range of views into consideration when deciding to change the name of the road.

“An act of mindless vandalism will simply not be tolerated in Haringey. Now is the time to move forward and come together to honour the legacy of John La Rose and the many other Black residents who have made such a huge contribution in the borough.”

Ex-council leader Joseph Ejiofor, who initially called for the street to be renamed, said on Twitter: “The haters and the racists are at it already.

“The street name has changed. Get over it!!”

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