The Strip

**The Mighty Ruler Sound System**
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**Cynthia Gilbert**
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**Cornelius St Elmo Hinds**
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**Bobby**
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**Newton Dunbar**
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**Tom**
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**Claudette**
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The Strip

A visual love letter to our neighbourhood

Our story begins with the Caribbean Community who fought for their freedom to dance and gather socially. In a war torn, 1960’s and 1970’s London, the black community were abused on a daily basis had had to win the right to their cultural spaces. Pioneers like Newton Dunbar set up The Four Aces - a music venue where everyone was welcome and a space that united Londoners through culture and sound. Dalston became a space of refuge and protest as many of the black community spoke out about their treatment from the police and racists who made their lives intolerable. They persevered and the area became a night time mecca as the years progressed and new communities moved in, who also struggled to find somewhere safe.

Marginalised groups saw Dalston as a space they too, could thrive and create… right up until the now, as Dalston retains it’s cool status and home to the queer community, young people and the creative youth who find expression and freedom there.

Future Hackney have traced this legacy over time and believe the area should be applauded and celebrated as one of London’s cultural heritage hotspots with rich histories and reminisces of struggle and independence.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Community Fund, Hackney Council, Hackney Council Black History Season, Awards For All, Foundation For Future London, Hackney Parochial Charity.