AFRICAN LIVES IN NORTHERN ENGLAND —

Three people sitting on stage during a panel discussion, with a large screen behind them and an audience in front. The screen shows a photo and text about Archie Sibeko and Nelson Mandela from 2008.

Welcome to African Lives in Northern England

Discover the often untold stories of brilliant and resilient people of African heritage and their roles in North East past, present and future.

Unvieling of Mary Ann Macham Statue in North Shields

Bronze statue of a young girl with outstretched arms, seated on a rock, with a cape flowing behind her, set against a cloudy sky and urban landscape.

On 20 November, a stunning new statue commemorating Mary Ann Macham was unveiled in North Shields. The statue celebrates the extraordinary life of Mary Ann Macham, who escaped enslavement, journeyed thousands of miles by sea, and arrived in North Shields on Christmas Day in 1830. The unveiling was led by representatives from North Tyneside Council, the sculptor Keith Barrett, and our own Beverley Prevatt Goldstein.

At the event, Beverley Prevatt Goldstein reflected on Mary Ann Macham’s determination to live freely, her resilience and adaptability, and the compassion shown to her by the Quakers and the people of North Shields. Dr Prevatt Goldstein also expressed the hope that communities across the region and the country today would extend the same welcome to those seeking safety after perilous journeys by boat.

This website features five further references to Mary Ann Macham’s life and legacy. We are deeply grateful to those who have uncovered and shared her remarkable story over the years, including Steph Towns, Nina Brown, and the staff of the Old Low Light. We encourage you to explore the site, locate all five references, and take time to read and reflect on her story.

Additionally, the orginal transcript and typed translation of a letter from Mary Ann Macham can be read here.

A woman in a maroon coat and white hat speaking to a crowd on a rainy day, with many people dressed warmly, standing on a paved area near some houses and a ship in the background.

2026 Calendars and Books

We are pleased to offer you the 2026 edition of African Lives in Northern England’s calendar. Documenting new characters who we have learnt about or expanded our knowledge of this year, the calendar is full of interesting information and beautiful pictures.

We also have newly printed copies of African Lives in Northern England, from Roman Times to the 21st Century, a book rich with information about influential African-descended people from the Northeast from past to present.

You can make purchases (Book: £5, Calendar: £8) by contacting us.

A wooden sculpture of a smiling woman with braided hair, wearing traditional African attire, with arms outstretched, set against a red background. Text indicates it is part of the 2026 calendar for African Lives in Northern England, featuring two profiles of notable African women from Newcastle upon Tyne: John Edwards 'Jack' London and Dr. Irene Elizabeth Beatrice Ighodaro.

Book cover titled 'African Lives in Northern England: From Roman Times to the 21st Century' with photographs of African individuals in historical and modern attire.

A diverse group of ten people, including elderly women, adults, and middle-aged individuals, posing together in a formal setting against a plain gray background. Two women seated in front are wearing colorful clothing, one with a graduation cap and gown.

Award for equalities and anti-racism

On June 10th, our founder Beverley Prevatt Goldstein received the honorary award of Doctor of Civil Law from Northumbria University. The award is in acknowledgment of her contribution as an equalities activist and champion of anti-racism, including her leading role in the African Lives in Northern England Projects, raising awareness of influential people who have made an impact on our region. We are so happy that she has received this well-deserved recognition of her incredible work. Read more about her Honourary Doctorate here.

We Live Here: Black Plaques in Newcastle

People attending a lecture or presentation in a classroom or conference room, facing a large screen displaying a black-and-white image of a woman in graduation attire.

On 4th October, to mark Black History Month, Newcastle City Library hosted us for our event featuring engaging talks and short walks exploring figures of African descent and their connection to Newcastle. Participants also had the chance to vote for a character to be nominated for a plaque. The results will be revealed soon!

Blue circular plaque with a coat of arms, mounted on a brick wall. The plaque reads: "16 Lily Crescent. John Edwards 'Jack' London, 1905-1966. Black British Olympic athlete. Originally from Demerara, Guyana, he was picked for the British Olympic team. In the 1928 Amsterdam Games he won silver and bronze medals. This was his childhood home. City of Newcastle upon Tyne."

Black commemorative plaque on a brick wall honoring Dr. Irene Elizabeth Beatrice Ighodaro, the first Sierra Leonean woman to qualify as a medical doctor in Britain, located at Easton Hall, Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Plaque Unveilings…

In 2021 our calendar and booklet had highlighted Frederick Douglass and his plaque, the only one to a black person in the city of Newcastle. We are delighted that, assisted by Don O'Meara, the Project has been instrumental in two more plaques being installed.

Four people standing outside a brick building, smiling for a photo.

Irene ighodaro

On 25th June we had the pleasure of unveiling a plaque to Irene Ighodaro, a Sierra Leonean doctor and women’s rights advocate who lived and worked in Newcastle. The event (pictured above) was well attended, with members of Irene’s family present and was covered in an article by Newcastle Council.

Jack London

On August 6th 2024 a plaque honouring Jack London, a trailblazing black British Olympian who won a silver medal in the 100m sprint at the 1928 Amsterdam games, was unveiled at his former home in Jesmond, Newcastle (pictured opposite). Read Newcastle Council’s article here.

Video footage of the plaque unveiling

Woman with dark curly hair standing at a wooden podium inside a historic building, wearing a white shirt with navy stripes, with a laptop on the side, at the Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Discovery Museum.

Website launch

Listen to the speeches for website launch featuring speakers, Justine King (Show Racism the Red Card), Chi Onwurah (MP for Newcastle), Bill Griffiths (TWAM) and Dr. Jordan Mullard (Durham University).

Listen to our speakers