HLN explores: Black History Month in the North East

Newcastle’s History

It’s important to always look at both the good and the bad that came from our city (and worldwide), and to remember that the North East wasn’t free from guilt when it came to slavery and the Slave Trade – the region still benefitted from it and participated when they used the produce created and procured by the Slave Trade, such as sugar, ginger and rum, and had many figures who encouraged and participated in it. However, the North East also has had a rich history of anti-slavery movements. The region has long been associated with the civil rights movement, with many civil rights figures passing through our city to help abolish slavery and create a more equal world.

The North East was known for pushing harder than almost any other region when it came to the abolishment the Slave Trade, both in the British Empire and across the seas in America too, and it even saw visits from famous activists and speakers like Martin Luther King. When the Black Lives Matter protests marched through the UK, many statues of Slave Traders were ripped down in protest of celebrating someone who caused so much harm. In Newcastle, extremists sought to protect Grey’s Monument, despite the fact the monument actually celebrates Earl Grey, who was a pivotal part of the fight against slavery. The North East does, in fact, have many famed streets and statues named after lobbyists for the abolishment of slavery, which solidify the North East’s position against racism.

Having a Modern Impact

Newcastle itself is a beautifully diverse city, and we’re often known as some of the friendliest people in the UK. With so many cultures and races calling the North East home, it’s important that we continue to do everything we can to ensure our city is safe and welcoming for everyone, whilst celebrating and supporting every community.

Woodhorn Museum ‘Digging Deep’ Exhibition

On display 3^rd Oct – 1^st Nov

Woodhorn Museum has recently launched a brand-new exhibition celebrating the Black and African-Caribbean coal miners that contributed to the success of the mining industry, both across the North East and nationally. With 27 different accounts of life in the mining industry on display, this is a beautiful insight into the often-overlooked contributions of Black culture to the UK’s industries.

Find out more here: blackhistorymonth.org.uk

Teakisi

Blogger Salha Kaitesi began her blog, Teakisi, as a way of empowering and connecting the voices of African women in the North East communities and providing them with the space to unite and support each other. Wanting to create conversations amongst the community to highlight their shared, and individual, experiences with discrimination, she always wishes to highlight the intersection of sexism and racism that black women reside in and open up the conversation to incite greater change. Kaitesi also hosts regular workshops with guest speakers which are open to everyone to attend. We’ve just missed her most recent one, but keep an eye out on her blog or Eventbrite profile to catch the next one.

Teakisi: teakisi.com

Eventbrite: eventbrite.co.uk