This month, we introduce Veronica McKenzie, a Haringey-based writer, film director, curator and archivist.
Veronica’s directing credits include the feature documentary Under Your Nose, and award-winning film, Nine Nights. Beyond her work in film, Veronica initiated and led Haringey Vanguard, a pioneering Black LGBTQ+ archival project documenting the history and contributions of Haringey-based community activists in the 1970s to the 1990s. Veronica works as a consultant and is developing her next film.
How long have you resided in Haringey, and in which part of the borough do you live?
I was raised near Seven Sisters. When I “discovered” Turnpike Lane about 16 years ago, it was a quiet, relatively unknown corner of Haringey. The tube station was often empty.
As a creative and activist, how has Haringey influenced you?
The National Front was around when I was growing up, so there were anti-racist and anti-fascist marches. There were lively after-school clubs, punks, rastas who lived next door to us, the Lovers Rock singers who lived near our school (we used to hang outside their house), the musicians who frequented the Body Music record shop. It was an exciting mash up of cultures, innovation and grassroots trend-setting. Spurs even won the FA Cup. Now, I still get influenced just walking down West Green Road!
What is your definition of a rebel?
A rebel is an outsider - someone who has the courage to forge their own path in life and to stand up for themselves and others.
What’s the best careers advice you’ve received?
I didn't get any good career advice at school! They suggested I become a nurse even though I excelled in art. An old boss advised me to get a mentor and stay away from office gossip.
When and where do you feel at your most powerful?
After a yoga session. I recently trained as a yoga teacher, which is something I've been thinking about for years. I'm going to specialise in inclusive yoga for people over 40. You don't need to be white, thin and bendy to do yoga.
What would be a dream contribution to Haringey’s year as the London Borough of Culture?
I'd love to turn my work on queer history into an interactive map so people could get a feel for how many queer venues in Haringey there used to be.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve heard or read about yourself that isn’t true?
That I'm an academic.
What is your favourite hidden Haringey gem?
I used to visit the cafe in Downhills Park every Friday morning for a writing session with a friend. It was our unofficial office.
Which other Haringey creative would you spotlight and why?
[Singer and actor] Leee John is a big supporter of the community, particularly the West Indian Cultural Centre. He took time out of his tour to support a benefit I was recently organising and gave a great performance.
Veronica McKenzie’s new film Under Your Nose tells the fascinating story of how a group of activists set up the UK’s first community centre for Black LGBTQ+ people in the 1980s. A free screening and Q&A is taking place on Friday 21 February at Park View School – book your place by following this link.
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