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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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