As I type I’m just going through all the amazing interviews I’ve done so far with One Suitcase, and thinking about some of the things I’ve heard – so much have I learned.

As someone who tends to think of themselves as a Teessider, born in the Boro and tracing just about every one of my relatives to some connection with Middlesbrough, I thought I knew more about the town.

I had a chat to an amazing couple before Christmas – Shenaz and Tariq, who still live in Middlesbrough and came to the town as little ones, living in the Canon Street/Newport area ( where Cannon Park industrial estate sits). Shenaz told me about her dad’s restaurant, and the closeness of people there. Tariq enlightened me about the Cannon Street riot, known as the first British race riot. not a good look for the town and perhaps why it’s not something within common discussion., as well as the riot having started after the fatal stabbing of a young local lad, whose family I believe are still alive.

During the riot people who lived in the area with a non-white background hid in the restaurant, which was barricaded, and there was certain fear that those inside would be killed. Luckily after days of rioting the local police managed to quell the rage, but many businesses had been damaged by this time. There’s an article about the riot here from the Gazette, our local newspaper https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/gallery/photos-middlesbroughs-cannon-street-used-23204253

Images From “urbanBelonging: History and the Power of Place” by Tosh Warwick https://pure.hud.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/14086763/From_First_World_War_anti_German_sentim.pdf

I spoke to some retired women from Thorntree who had also lived in the streets about their experience of living there .. They had really fond memories of the area, all the shops and the friendships they made, and I chatted to Maria, from an Irish Catholic background. She’s also lived in this area.

Maria’s memories of being an Irish Catholic in Middlesbrough were familiar. I’m not religious but was brought up Catholic, my religion originating from my Irish and Scottish ancestors both Paternally and Maternally. Maria’s images and artefacts really struck a chord, and it reminded that being from that background will always be part of my identity. It’s helped me understand what people brought in the first place.

So .. where from here ? An exhibition in June, and Art Weekender and Festival of thrift in September, where all the sounds and sights of the project will come together. More research on Cannon Street and more people to interview!