On 12 June 2020, in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, we announced a Review on Monuments, Building, Place and Street Names in Haringey. We are keen to ensure that the history of our monuments, building, place and street names are reflective of our values and the culture and diversity we are so proud of in our borough.
As part of the Review, we will be working with our residents, communities and organisations, and experts to understand and better represent the history of the borough.
Renaming Black Boy Lane
One of the street names initially highlighted as needing review is Black Boy Lane. Meanings change over time, and the term Black Boy is now used most commonly as a derogatory name for African heritage men.
The question of changing the name of the street was raised by a resident as part of a consultation started in the wake of the death of George Floyd. Our extensive consultation and engagement with the community found that many other residents shared the concerns about the racial connotations of the name and the impact its continued use has on Black people in Haringey.
In the first phase of consultation, it was decided that if renaming were to go ahead, the street would be renamed as ‘La Rose Lane’ in celebration of John La Rose, a former Haringey resident, publisher, essayist, poet, and champion of Black history and equality.
The consultation on the renaming of 'Black Boy Lane' to 'La Rose Lane' ran from 1 December 2021 to 19 January 2022.
The name of Black Boy Lane was officially changed to La Rose Lane on 23 January 2023, following a decision by Haringey Council’s corporate committee in February 2022.
Renaming Albert Road Recreation Ground
Albert Road Recreation Ground has been known locally by many names: 'The Rec', 'Durnsford Park', 'Albert Rec'...
Haringey Council, the Friends of Albert Road Recreation Ground and other local stakeholders felt that it was the right time to look at replacing all of the above to one locally recognised name, which reflected the long and historical relationship that O.R. Tambo, his wife Adelaide and their family had with the area, and one that is reflective of the borough's values, culture and diversity.
Between October and November 2020, residents were asked if they agreed with the proposal to change the name of the Rec to O.R. Tambo Recreation Ground.
The life and contribution of Oliver Tambo has been recognised in Albert Road Recreation Ground with a statue and memorial, however considering the views of stakeholders and the results of the public consultation, we are now pleased that the Rec will now be known as the O.R. Tambo Recreation Ground.
You can find the full report and the consultation results that were presented to the Council's Cabinet meeting on 9 February 2021 here at item 434.
If Haringey residents have concerns or queries about place, street or building names in the borough, please get in touch. Send your views to Leader@haringey.gov.uk.