In Manchester, a group of activists is battling to ensure the legacy of the Nello James centre is not forgotten. Named after the Trinidadian author and activist CLR James, the centre was a cornerstone of the city's Black community, providing education, childcare, and cultural events. Now, the Rekindling Nello James project is documenting its history through films and an oral history archive.
The Centre's History
The Nello James centre opened in the 1970s, funded by a donation from actress Vanessa Redgrave. It housed supplementary schools, a nursery, and spaces for community groups. The centre was a response to systemic racism, offering Black children an environment where they could thrive. It closed in 2012, and the site was later sold for development.
Preserving the Legacy
Bianca Danielle, project manager at Rekindle School, leads the Rekindling Nello James project. She emphasises the importance of recording these stories for future generations. "Black communities are still fighting for ownership, but we have come on leaps and bounds," she said. The project has produced films, including Stories of Nello James, and is creating a permanent archive at the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Centre.
Community Impact
Francia Messado, a member of the Abasindi Co-operative, recalls the centre's vibrant atmosphere. "Nello James was a space where people came together for educational, political, and cultural projects," she said. The centre supported the community from childhood to adulthood, fostering skills and pride. Many locals hope to see the centre revived.
The Heritage Lottery Fund-backed project also restored a 1983 documentary about the centre, which had been lost. Film-makers John Crumpton, Martin Lightening, and Roy Newton combined their copies to restore the footage. Crumpton noted that the struggles of Black communities in the 1980s formed the backdrop to the film.
The Rekindling Nello James project continues to hold events and screenings. An exhibition at Manchester's Contact Theatre runs until August. For more information, visit the project's website.
