New information
Here we have collected new information on the characters already included on the website.
Unvieling of Mary Ann Macham Statue in North Shields
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.
We Live Here: Black Plaques in Newcastle
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. (Paul Robeson was the winner. Watch this space for development!)
Plaque Unvielings
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.
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.
Original Transcripts of Michael YAnni
The two transcripts of Michael Yanni, a Sierra Leonean seaman born in 1918, reveal to us differing accounts of his journey to the UK via the SS Cuba ship. One account, given to Rudolph Dunbar, a Guyanese composer and musician, gives a damning account of his experiences and can be read here in its original form; The other, given in a BBC broadcast offers a glittering report, which can also be read in it’s original form here.
West African seamen being welcomes to West Indies House
Mary Ann Macham
Mary Ann Macham arrived in North Shields in 1831, after escaping slavery in Virginia. She was welcomed by the Miss Spences, a prominent Quaker family, working in their household until her marriage to a local rope-maker. She died in 1893, and has recently been commemorated with a memorial stone in Preston Cemetery, Tynemouth.
Information and Pictures courtesy of Low Light Museum, North Shields
Her memorial stone in Preston Cemetary, Tynemouth
Mary Ann Macham
Charles Udor Minto
Activist, MBE and community leader, Charles Udor Minto was a tireless campaigner who created safe spaces for North Tyneside's burgeoning black community in the 1930s and 40s.
A champion boxer in Nigeria, his career as a seaman brought him to North Shields where he continued fighting - this time on a political stage.
Video, Information and Pictures courtesy of Davey Young, Heritology Society, North Shields, TWAM and Imperial War Museum IWM D10714
Minto in the kitchen of Colonial House, North Shields
Minto’s wife, Mary J. Clarke (left), who was instrumental in hosting events at Colonial House
WIlliam Fifefield
William Fifefield, from St. Kitts, was a military bandsman and owner of a boat used to transport people across the River Tyne. He lived in the working class areas of Newcastle, near the Black Gate and Tuthill Stairs but had sufficient means to buy his boat and later an apprenticeship for his son. He was literate and accepted as a freemason in the lodge at Swalwell (Gateshead).
You can read more about his name, family and career here.
Thank you to Peter Livesey for contributing this additional information.
A ‘Long Drum’ from Britain 1714-1727
An image of ‘Comfortables’ on the River Tyne
Dive deeper…
Todd’s article on the lives of people of African descent in the 19th century in Tyneside has been an invaluable source of information for our calendars, booklets and walks. Similarly, Hannah Kent’s article on Black lives in Tyneside 1939-52.
These articles are now available from North East History, Volume 53 and Volume 52 respectively and can be read here.