News on Hackney Naming Hub

Happy International Women's Day!

Since November, you've been sharing some of the names from Hackney's history and community you feel deserve to be recognised in our public spaces. This #WomensHistoryMonth we're highlighting just some of the great women suggested. Keep them coming!

Christina Oree is one of Hackney's carnival pioneers. The 1979 Notting Hill carnival queen, she went on to set up Beeraahaar Sweet Combination band in 1993 with David Grant to develop a spirit of unity between all different ages, cultures and backgrounds. She was Notting Hill carnival queen in 1979, and remembers her first carnival in Hackney 23 years ago. Speaking to the Hackney Gazette she said: “We had the road to ourselves. There was no fighting or riots. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time.”

Hannah Woolley (b.1623) was one of the earliest and most vocal champions of women’s education, and an internationally successful author.

After the death of her parents, Woolley became a teacher aged only 14. She later ran a school in Hackney with as many as sixty pupils.

Fatou Diallo was a secondary school teacher who petitioned to bridge inequality within free school meals. Their nominator describes them as ‘a role model who has played an important role to many young kids in Hackney and London…Hackney should recognise these types of people while alive.'

Hackney-born Maria Dickin (1870-1951) was determined to offer free treatment for sick and injured animals, leading to the creation of the UK's leading veterinary charity PDSA . You can learn more about her story in this video.

Only a quarter of names put forward so far tell women's stories! This #InternationalWomensDay, take action by helping us ensure the inspiring women of Hackney past and present are recognised and celebrated. Make your suggestions today!