Through my lens: Black and camden-born

CAMDEN TOWN

Camden Town is a fusion of many different cultures, music, and styles. Known for its thriving hub of markets, live music, and punk history, Camden has always been a haven for self-expression. Yet, growing up here as a black teenage girl, the experience of finding out who you are and your identity feels like a challenge.

Camden's vibrancy comes from its diversity. Walking through the street, you hear dozens of languages and see a range of fashions. For many black girls, this kind of diversity is a unique experience to see ourselves reflected in different ways. From the African or Afro Caribbean food stools, to the Afrobeats music blasting in our ears, Camden feels like a space that honours and cherishes our roots, giving us a sense of belonging.

At the same time, Camden is also greatly changing through its gentrification which is changing its identity. Long-standing black-owned businesses are disappearing, and with them, cultural markets that helped black Londoners feel at home. All these changes through the borough, the question arises: where does a black girl fit in?

NAVIGATING REPRESENTATION

Representation in Camden is not hard to come by, as the borough is rich in cultural expression shown in its food stools and art celebrating black icons. Growing up here, you might find yourself being asked questions about your hair, or being told your features are exotic or Eurocentric. Or perhaps you'll be asked where you’re actually from, as if you can’t truly be from Britain and have British values if you’re black. However, at the same time, you would see people who share your cultural heritage, making you feel like you're not out of place.

The clashing of these experiences forces us to think about how we represent ourselves and who we are. For many black girls in Camden, identities are often about balancing pride within our Native culture and our British culture, while navigating a world where sometimes they believe that you can only be one and not the other.

FINDING STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY

Despite these challenges, Camden is home to a vibrant black community that provides connection and strength. Just last month, me and my friend attended an event celebrating Black History Month by Young Camden Foundation, where we heard inspiring stories relating to the theme 'Reclaiming Our Narratives,' which is all about taking control of our stories to make sure the black community is not being misrepresented or misinterpreted in the media and also within history books. Events like these remind us that identity is not something that we need to explain or defend - it’s something to live proudly. While we can accept the complexities of both of our identities, we hope in the future others can too.

IMPORTANT BLACK FIGURES THAT LIVED IN/ HAD AN IMPACT ON CAMDEN TOWN

Through markets, the tantalising aromas of foods varying from jollof rice to fish and chips, greatly reinforces the diversity of Camden both present-day, but also historically. Camden was home to many important figures who fought against racism and discrimination, who dedicated their lives to promote racial equality.
Camden Town with its rich history and cultural significance, has long been a pillar for creativity, activism, and resistance. Mainly known for its music and art, Camden holds an important place in Black history. Over the years numerous famous black people have lived and worked here contributing to the area's identity but also the broader story of black empowerment in the UK.

The mother of the Caribbean carnival Claudia Jones, a Trinidadian activist and founder of the West Indian Gazette, played a transformative role in the fight for racial equality in Britain. Though she was primarily associated with the Notting Hill carnival, her activism often brought her to Camden. As a campaigner for the rights of black immigrants in the UK, she worked to organise community events and protests, many of which found support in Camden's diverse population.

Linton Kwesi Johnson is another figure whose legacies are tied to Camden. Known for his politically charged versus set to reggae rhythms, he frequently performed at iconic Camden venues such as the Roundhouse. Through his works, he communicates the struggles of black communities in the UK, addressing issues such as police brutality and systemic racism. Through his performances in Camden, he helped establish the area as a hub of resistance and cultural pride.

The influence of these black figures in Camden underscores the borough’s role as a beacon for cultural, intellectual, and political progress. From musicians to activists to pioneers, they all contributed to making Camden a place where black creativity and progression could flourish.

RELATIONSHIP WITH CAMDEN

Camden is very dear to my heart, as it encourages self-expression and a sense of pride in your cultural identity which is greatly needed to validate our complicated identities. Camden is far from perfect; it holds a space for joy, creativity, progression, and connections between all different people, and that’s what makes it special.

As young people in Camden, it’s important that when we are able to, we should vote to continue the legacy for Camden being a progressive welcoming borough. Your vote is your voice, a tool of power and change. For many generations, our ancestors fought for the right to be heard— honour their legacy by shaping the future we deserve. Be the voice that we need.

Written by Young Ambassador Sahra