A new interactive poster has been designed to complement Hackney’s recent introduction of the Black history curriculum. Hackney’s Diverse Curriculum – The Black Contribution has seen 480+ schools nationwide sign up in just under a month.
The curriculum has been developed by teachers and council staff, with a nine week lesson plan for any age up to KS3. Modules include exciting new Windrush units and any school in the UK can sign up to this for free.
Hackney’s Black history is on the map thanks to a specially-designed Hackney Council poster by Marcie Mintrose celebrating the borough’s local Black landmarks and legacies.
Highlights on the map include:
Cultural venues of yesteryear such as Centerprise Bookshop, Four Aces and Visions night club.
A spotlight on Black British legends such as missionary Joseph Jackson Fuller, daughter of African abolitionist Joanna Vassa, and ‘Anthony’ – Hackney’s earliest record of an African resident.
Entrepreneurs such as Ugent Knight of Mr Knight’s All Nations Barber Shop – who trimmed the hair of Muhammed Ali and Marvin Gaye, and the owners of the UK’s first Black-led multi-million pound beauty business.
Proud Hackney pastimes still at large such as Hackney Carnival, The Rainbow Bakery and the Claudia Jones Organisation.
Artist Marcie Mintrose (self portrait above) has always showcased Black British figures in her work. Her first solo exhibition ‘Windrush Women’ was a series of 12 illustrations of influential Caribbean women and went on display at City Hall in 2018.
She said: “Showcasing Black British figures has always been a significant part of my practise as an illustrator, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to spotlight some of the key figures who have contributed to Hackney’s rich heritage.”
Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Human Resources, said: “Hackney’s Black history runs deep and proud. This map inspires us to think about the vast and valuable contributions African and Caribbean people across the ages have brought specifically to our borough.
“We want everyone to think inclusively about the DNA of Hackney as we continue with our review into landmarks and naming of our public spaces. We hope this well designed, well thought through map helps us do just that.”
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