Taster Walk: African Lives in Newcastle
Harbottle Suite, Black Gate, Newcastle Castle, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 1RQ
This fully accessible walk shines a light on our heritage linked to place and people.
The walk starts at the Black Gate sharing both its history and that of Fifefield, an 18th century working class resident of Newcastle, originally from the Caribbean. At St John's Church on Grainger Street we celebrate the wedding of the year (1950) between a Nigerian doctoral student, Victor Oyenuga and his childhood sweetheart, Sabinah Onabajo, and at Central Station the life and achievements of the African-American abolitionist, Frederick Douglass. We share their contributions to Newcastle and on the world stage, and how Newcastle, in turn, contributed to them. Central Station provides the opportunity to highlight that Africans were part of the city since Roman times and the complex role the railways played in enslavement and its abolition.
This walk which encompasses racism, resilience and friendships across difference provides historical accuracy and encourages a deeper understanding of our city and the North East.
Harbottle Suite, Black Gate, Newcastle Castle, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 1RQ
The walk from Black Gate to St John's Church includes Pudding Chare, a narrow lane which reflects the environs of 18th century Newcastle and of Fifefield.
The walk runs with a minimum of five people and there may be a short waiting time until this number is gathered.