In a tremendous effort to combat racism, Haringey Council in London has made the brave decision to rename “Black Boy Lane” – which had racist connotations – as “La Rose Lane”. This move is propelling the council into its rightful place of leadership and championing diversity within the community. To honor this binding commitment, they’ve even erected a brand new street sign that proudly displays La Rose Lane!
Yet, several disgruntled individuals took matters into their own hands by vandalizing the new name, “La Rose Lane” in London’s Haringey Borough. They covered up all but the last line of the sign which read: “Formerly Black Boy Lane,” thus demonstrating their discontentment with this change.
Upon learning that Londoners had defaced the new street name, Haringey council leader Peray Ahmet took to Twitter to share a photo of the vandalized sign and highlight their ‘mindless vandalism’ for all. With black spray paint they had tried covering up their misdeed, yet failed in silencing it by any means.
She stated: “Really sad and disappointed to have been sent this today. This follows a fantastic launch yesterday, where we celebrated the life and legacy of John La Rose. What could this ever achieve beyond mindless vandalism.”
After Black Lives Matter activists called for a change, authorities spent 180,000 British pounds to rename an offensive street in Tottenham. The new name – La Rose Lane – celebrates the strength of the community and those who are fighting against injustice.
In spite of the name change from Black Boy Lane to La Rose Lane, some residents decided to fight back against this decision by affixing signs with the former street name in their windows. Conservatives and locals who are keen on preserving local heritage have expressed their dissatisfaction with these changes, especially those individuals who took it upon themselves to create a counter-protest via signage. The new moniker is perceived as less offensive than its predecessor, yet has failed to quell all objections.
Seething with frustration, 68-year-old art professor Rishi Jogoo teamed up with other local traditionalists to display a Black Boy Lane sign in his window as an act of resistance against the name alteration.
“There is nothing racist about the name. I don’t understand why people say that,” Jogoo stated. “The council never came round to talk to us about it. We did receive a letter, but when we argued about it, they didn’t listen to us. The problem is when you change the road name, we all have to change our documents, like our passports which is very inconvenient. The council has said they will offer us £300 because of the change, but I don’t think that will be enough to sort everything. We will keep our signs up, but I’m not optimistic that they will listen, but we can always hope.”
Jogoo’s neighbor, Ian, also erected a Black Boy Lane sign nearby.
Ian stated, “We are hanging the old sign up because we don’t want it to change. It is a complete waste of time and money. I will keep my address as it is until there is an official issue. I want to use it as long as I can.”
What is your opinion on the new name of the street?
