I lived in on that estate in 1976 as a teen for a few years when the block I lived in was newly built. They were high quality warm, affordable luxurious flats internally. I never felt unsafe while indoors but the interlinking walkways and no CCTV technology back then made it very easy for criminals to strike and escape. Times were hard for just about everyone back then. Very few of us kids had any opportunity as school leavers and had to take whatever work was available - going to Uni was an option but studying for a degree seemed pointless as there was a deep recession on in the early 80s and no guarantee of getting a better job. School leavers had no support schemes available to them until later and it was the riots that raised awareness and the need for better opportunities via changes in the law. After that, the government figured out that young adults could not just be thrown to the wolves when they left school. It was a time when a lot of young girls would become single parents just to get housing and the fathers weren't chased for child support. Most of my friends on the estate took that route because they were rewarded for it so there were many children being raised without fatherly influence at home and those mothers could withold access indefinitely because the law at the time allowed them to. Brent was under great pressure to house many people all at one time and Stonebridge, St Raphaels, Chalkhill and South Kilburn estates were a fast track solution. They had no other cheap alternative to try to improve housing availability. We were however very lucky that we had easy access to central London for work so we could at least get jobs although I was strongly aware that those opportunities were, very unfairly, not open to all. There were regular muggings on the estate but no gangs and carrying a handbag alone out late at night or after dark was considered an invitation to it. Residents were being unfairly blamed for most of the muggings when it was clear that those from outside the area would visit the estate to commit crime. That's mainly how Stonebridge got its bad name. The residents were not the problem. Youths could not afford drugs back then so drugs were not to blame. It was clear that it was pure frustration at the blatant racial injustice, mainly of incessant stop and search and of police prejudice in those who were clearly and openly targeting young black men and youths. It was a vicious circle - this made it almost impossible for this group to get work because the press openly portrayed them as criminals at every opportunity and these stories made front page headlines. Racism was being stirred up in a big way by those in power as a consequence. Without the riots, little would have changed. They were truly shocking times. I remember feeling very proud that the smart people of Stonebridge had come together to make a difference to the community as an alternative to rioting. I wasn't directly involved with the group but was aware that the community leaders were making huge efforts to intervene and get the project off the ground as a viable solution. The local press were very encouraging towards the project as I recall. Looking at this great film I'm amazed that the HPCC did so much with so little resources and on such a huge scale but it's shocking and very sad that the project was ripped off on so many levels. I'm inspired to keep researching this story to learn about the final outcome. Many thanks for posting the film. It's a very important piece of NW London urban history.
Leonard was dearly loved. He had a passion for his people few of his counterparts had. He was tall dark and handsome. He was intelligent. He was a passionate advocate for justice, equity and fairness for people of the black community in particular the young people who all loved him. He had a heart of gold. He was courageous and bold. He was no wimp. A born leader. He fought tooth and nail to retain Bridge Park for the people of the community but came up against the dark powers of this world who wanted Bridge Park for themselves. Against those who had sold their souls for greed. Leonard, you fought a good fight and you have finished your race. Thank you for your tireless labour of love for your community most of whom saw you as part of their extended family. May you be greatly reward by your loving Father, Yehweh and his Son, Yeshua (Jesus). You will always be greatly missed and will always have a special place in my heart and that of my family. Sleep on my dear friend and take your rest. Lay down your head upon the Saviour's breast. We love you well but Jesus love your best. Goodnight Goodnight Goodnight. RIP. Lorna Davis & Family!
I appreciate that there are many factors such as poverty, no guidance etc which can lead a youth to a life of crime but I have a question - is there any level of self accountability? I ask because your community causes a lot of pain and I speak from personal experience - as a youngster during my high school years, I was terrorized for no reason and although I went to a multicultural school, the people who bullied me and made my teen years hell were all black. And they terrorized me for no reason. Now as a successful man, who was raised by a single mother, I need to be be sympathetic to the pain of a community that destroyed my childhood. It’s ironic, we need to feel your suffering and pain but you lot don’t have no compassion for the suffering and pain of others who are not black. And racism is not an out, I’m not racist at all, I’m speaking of my real life experience and dealings with your community. And I don’t think poverty is an excuse for the pain you cause others, when my mum came from Africa she was a single mum dealing with a lot of debt, which was not caused by her, she was raising 2 children and worked 3 jobs ….. but with all of this against her, she raised her 2 kids right and neither one of us went into a life of crime, although we were definitely victims of crime.
@@indy5772 sorry lady, I know your not asking me to be held accountable for any of your childhood experiences that has absolutely nothing to do with me are you?. Growing up in Brent is a lifestyle some for good some for bad, now if you have any unresolved issues maybe it might be best to contact the people you was directly involved with, but to select random people just because they grew up and still are very much a part of the community is not happening. There is so many victims and many, many successes that have come from these types of areas. Stonebridge and all StoneBridge residents can tell you a story or few of their trials and tribulations. Do you see us going around picking random people to blame? Food for thought hun Take care xx.
Wow. Look at Stonebridge.Been a resident there most of my life. What a beautiful place it is now. But never forget the real place which so many different people have grown to experience. . I had a nice childhood there. Not all doom and gloom..
Lived in Stonebridge in the 80's, when I was homeless, originally was born in Chalkhill Estate...though always lived in NW. Stonebridge taught me the lessons I needed to survive. Thank you Bridge Park... Rise up in Paradise King 🌹🙏🏾🌹
Parents lived in the Brent area in the early 90s. Lived in Wembley Central but had friends in Stonebridge, Harlesden, Kensal Green and Neasden, so they saw/heard things. Dad has lots of stories and some interesting encounters with the yardies.
I’m 26 years old and i was born and raised in Stonebridge. I’m a proud Stonebridgiterian 😃😅...my friends and i will make sure we carry on these inspirational peoples LEGACY !!!! 1994-Present !!!
Rolling back the curtains as to governments attitudes to the needs of the darker colour in the community., especially the recent activities in court. What the structural system policies and strategies plan we shpuls not prove we have learnt and change, too ambitious for darker skintone people. St Raphaels Estate on same strategic policy planning. Blessed love thanks for posting.
Produced by Franco Rosso, the guy was an overlooked genius and of course because he was doing a lot for Black Britain he was buried under all the garbage that superceded it later on. R.I.P.
Insightful information behind Stonebridge Complex. Stonebridge Complex's history and fight for this Centre to enhance and benefit the local community is commendable and refreshing. The HPCC deserve a big applause and massive respect👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✊🏼🤝🏽. We thank-you HPCC. They never gave up or give in, remained consistent and stood together to accomplish a well used and great centre for the residents of Stonebridge and Brent❤🤎🖤🧡🤍. Local authorities always have their own way as they hold the purse strings. We see how they push out brown and black people as employees to work on the building development at Stonebridge Complex and failed to provide employment opportunities to those skilled & employable living in the local community. Unemployment still is a big issue. Regardless HPCC paved the way, initated the idea and project...they deserve huge recognition. Many good times and memories had at Complex including attending leisure facilties, meetings, wedding receptions , parties, music concerts, health & fitness and educational courses etc. STONEBRIDGE COMPLEX HAS TO REMAIN AND MUST FOR STONEBRIDGE & RESIDENTS OF BRENT!!
As young men we being Irish had to fight everyday black men tried to keep us down! And the police where worse. But we overcome yous all, through violence and hard construction work. We had no choice are kids have colour that was 81. Us Irish showed black man how to riot and use marbles to drop police horse's Damn you should have loved us. Stone bridge killed young Irish men and to this day I hate the old stone bridge.
10:17-10:22 Watts is actually an district or neighbourhood Los Angeles city. 11:41-11:52 the data of the main concentration neighbourhoods of the London's Afro-Caribbean community from the United Kingdom census (5/4/1981) Brixton in the London borough of Lambeth, Dalston - London borough of Hackney, Tottenham - London borough of Haringey, Harlesden - London borough of Brent.
Building still going but the community lost it to Brent Council about 4 years. They fought hard to keep it but sadly it wasn't to be. BIG UP THE FOUNDATION ACTIVISTS FROM STONEBRIDGE DELANEY BROWN JULIA SIMPSON LAWERENCE FEARON LEONARD JOHNSON ❤💛💚
No youth provision, clubs and centres have been closed down leaving young ppl with no option but to either stay indoors and interact with other young ppl through social-media/Internet, there isn't a Youth Service in Brent young ppl are not given an opportunity to widen their horizons and through projects/activities form relationships with peers from other areas of London, this I believe would have stopped alot of the "postcode" issues that young ppl are facing now
Isn't it interesting how all their accents are perfectly English, no different from any other English person. I find it odd how that is no longer the case 75% of the time. Black British people have developed a distinct accent that is almost street/punkish. Today, if you put me on the phone to someone British, I would normally be able to tell if they are Black or White. But I bet I would have no such ability back then. Something seems to have disrupted integration and led it astray and my bet is the influx of criminal yardies followed by grime and rap culture coming from the USA.
People think I'm white English when I'm on the phone when they see me in the flesh and see I'm black Carribbean British man they have a heart attack and go red in the face 😂
I appreciate that there are many factors such as poverty, no guidance etc which can lead a youth to a life of crime but I have a question - is there any level of self accountability? I ask because your community causes a lot of pain and I speak from personal experience - as a youngster during my high school years, I was terrorized for no reason and although I went to a multicultural school, the people who bullied me and made my teen years hell were all black. And they terrorized me for no reason. Now as a successful man, who was raised by a single mother, I need to be be sympathetic to the pain of a community that destroyed my childhood. It’s ironic, we need to feel your suffering and pain but you lot don’t have no compassion for the suffering and pain of others who are not black. And I don’t think poverty is an excuse for the pain you cause others, when my mum came from Africa she was a single mum dealing with a lot of debt, which was not caused by her, she was raising 2 children and worked 3 jobs ….. but with all of this against her, she raised her 2 kids right and neither one of us went into a life of crime, although we were definitely victims of crime.
I lived in on that estate in 1976 as a teen for a few years when the block I lived in was newly built. They were high quality warm, affordable luxurious flats internally. I never felt unsafe while indoors but the interlinking walkways and no CCTV technology back then made it very easy for criminals to strike and escape. Times were hard for just about everyone back then. Very few of us kids had any opportunity as school leavers and had to take whatever work was available - going to Uni was an option but studying for a degree seemed pointless as there was a deep recession on in the early 80s and no guarantee of getting a better job. School leavers had no support schemes available to them until later and it was the riots that raised awareness and the need for better opportunities via changes in the law. After that, the government figured out that young adults could not just be thrown to the wolves when they left school.
It was a time when a lot of young girls would become single parents just to get housing and the fathers weren't chased for child support. Most of my friends on the estate took that route because they were rewarded for it so there were many children being raised without fatherly influence at home and those mothers could withold access indefinitely because the law at the time allowed them to. Brent was under great pressure to house many people all at one time and Stonebridge, St Raphaels, Chalkhill and South Kilburn estates were a fast track solution. They had no other cheap alternative to try to improve housing availability. We were however very lucky that we had easy access to central London for work so we could at least get jobs although I was strongly aware that those opportunities were, very unfairly, not open to all.
There were regular muggings on the estate but no gangs and carrying a handbag alone out late at night or after dark was considered an invitation to it. Residents were being unfairly blamed for most of the muggings when it was clear that those from outside the area would visit the estate to commit crime. That's mainly how Stonebridge got its bad name. The residents were not the problem. Youths could not afford drugs back then so drugs were not to blame. It was clear that it was pure frustration at the blatant racial injustice, mainly of incessant stop and search and of police prejudice in those who were clearly and openly targeting young black men and youths. It was a vicious circle - this made it almost impossible for this group to get work because the press openly portrayed them as criminals at every opportunity and these stories made front page headlines. Racism was being stirred up in a big way by those in power as a consequence. Without the riots, little would have changed. They were truly shocking times.
I remember feeling very proud that the smart people of Stonebridge had come together to make a difference to the community as an alternative to rioting. I wasn't directly involved with the group but was aware that the community leaders were making huge efforts to intervene and get the project off the ground as a viable solution. The local press were very encouraging towards the project as I recall. Looking at this great film I'm amazed that the HPCC did so much with so little resources and on such a huge scale but it's shocking and very sad that the project was ripped off on so many levels. I'm inspired to keep researching this story to learn about the final outcome. Many thanks for posting the film. It's a very important piece of NW London urban history.
I lived on the Edgeware Rd... Near Paddington back then. Brings back so many memories. Im in my late 50s.
RIP LEONARD JOHNSON ❤💛💚
Leonard was dearly loved. He had a passion for his people few of his counterparts had. He was tall dark and handsome. He was intelligent. He was a passionate advocate for justice, equity and fairness for people of the black community in particular the young people who all loved him. He had a heart of gold. He was courageous and bold. He was no wimp. A born leader. He fought tooth and nail to retain Bridge Park for the people of the community but came up against the dark powers of this world who wanted Bridge Park for themselves. Against those who had sold their souls for greed. Leonard, you fought a good fight and you have finished your race. Thank you for your tireless labour of love for your community most of whom saw you as part of their extended family. May you be greatly reward by your loving Father, Yehweh and his Son, Yeshua (Jesus). You will always be greatly missed and will always have a special place in my heart and that of my family. Sleep on my dear friend and take your rest. Lay down your head upon the Saviour's breast. We love you well but Jesus love your best. Goodnight Goodnight Goodnight. RIP. Lorna Davis & Family!
I prefer the way people were back then. There was more togetherness. Now it's every man for themselves.
Never knew the Black historic struggle of Stonebridge. Thanks for posting.
I'm from Stonebridge, moved to south kilburn in 86, not much difference to be honest but not as bad.
Oringinal Stonebridge Sistah in the house 🔥🔥💪🏾 From it’s foundation till present.
I appreciate that there are many factors such as poverty, no guidance etc which can lead a youth to a life of crime but I have a question - is there any level of self accountability?
I ask because your community causes a lot of pain and I speak from personal experience - as a youngster during my high school years, I was terrorized for no reason and although I went to a multicultural school, the people who bullied me and made my teen years hell were all black. And they terrorized me for no reason.
Now as a successful man, who was raised by a single mother, I need to be be sympathetic to the pain of a community that destroyed my childhood.
It’s ironic, we need to feel your suffering and pain but you lot don’t have no compassion for the suffering and pain of others who are not black.
And racism is not an out, I’m not racist at all, I’m speaking of my real life experience and dealings with your community.
And I don’t think poverty is an excuse for the pain you cause others, when my mum came from Africa she was a single mum dealing with a lot of debt, which was not caused by her, she was raising 2 children and worked 3 jobs ….. but with all of this against her, she raised her 2 kids right and neither one of us went into a life of crime, although we were definitely victims of crime.
@@indy5772 sorry lady, I know your not asking me to be held accountable for any of your childhood experiences that has absolutely nothing to do with me are you?.
Growing up in Brent is a lifestyle some for good some for bad, now if you have any unresolved issues maybe it might be best to contact the people you was directly involved with, but to select random people just because they grew up and still are very much a part of the community is not happening.
There is so many victims and many, many successes that have come from these types of areas. Stonebridge and all StoneBridge residents can tell you a story or few of their trials and tribulations.
Do you see us going around picking random people to blame?
Food for thought hun
Take care xx.
Wow. Look at Stonebridge.Been a resident there most of my life. What a beautiful place it is now. But never forget the real place which so many different people have grown to experience. . I had a nice childhood there. Not all doom and gloom..
Lived in Stonebridge in the 80's, when I was homeless, originally was born in Chalkhill Estate...though always lived in NW. Stonebridge taught me the lessons I needed to survive. Thank you Bridge Park... Rise up in Paradise King 🌹🙏🏾🌹
Parents lived in the Brent area in the early 90s. Lived in Wembley Central but had friends in Stonebridge, Harlesden, Kensal Green and Neasden, so they saw/heard things. Dad has lots of stories and some interesting encounters with the yardies.
I’m 26 years old and i was born and raised in Stonebridge. I’m a proud Stonebridgiterian 😃😅...my friends and i will make sure we carry on these inspirational peoples LEGACY !!!!
1994-Present !!!
2022 and nothing has changed and nothing ever will. WAKE! UP!
I had never even had a clue about this ... really inspiring . True community spirit working towards a common goal.... amazing
I knew some of the story but thank you for sharing this it explains a lot.
Rolling back the curtains as to governments attitudes to the needs of the darker colour in the community., especially the recent activities in court. What the structural system policies and strategies plan we shpuls not prove we have learnt and change, too ambitious for darker skintone people. St Raphaels Estate on same strategic policy planning. Blessed love thanks for posting.
It's so true!
For so many decades it was one way & now I feel like a tourist 😔
Produced by Franco Rosso, the guy was an overlooked genius and of course because he was doing a lot for Black Britain he was buried under all the garbage that superceded it later on. R.I.P.
Wow fantastic documentary
A young stonehead at 31.30 foundation yoot stonebridge family go school we all grow together. RIP LEONARD.
Went to Willesden High lived in kensale rise hung out in stone Bridge....Good old days 70s-80s
Insightful information behind Stonebridge Complex. Stonebridge Complex's history and fight for this Centre to enhance and benefit the local community is commendable and refreshing. The HPCC deserve a big applause and massive respect👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✊🏼🤝🏽. We thank-you HPCC. They never gave up or give in, remained consistent and stood together to accomplish a well used and great centre for the residents of Stonebridge and Brent❤🤎🖤🧡🤍. Local authorities always have their own way as they hold the purse strings. We see how they push out brown and black people as employees to work on the building development at Stonebridge Complex and failed to provide employment opportunities to those skilled & employable living in the local community. Unemployment still is a big issue. Regardless HPCC paved the way, initated the idea and project...they deserve huge recognition. Many good times and memories had at Complex including attending leisure facilties, meetings, wedding receptions , parties, music concerts, health & fitness and educational courses etc. STONEBRIDGE COMPLEX HAS TO REMAIN AND MUST FOR STONEBRIDGE & RESIDENTS OF BRENT!!
As young men we being Irish had to fight everyday black men tried to keep us down! And the police where worse. But we overcome yous all, through violence and hard construction work. We had no choice are kids have colour that was 81. Us Irish showed black man how to riot and use marbles to drop police horse's Damn you should have loved us. Stone bridge killed young Irish men and to this day I hate the old stone bridge.
David Coley, Sean Hamilton, Fabian and Stanley. Foundation!
Brent Council corporate psychology is dis-respect, dis-regard and con the residents of the borough
We're being psyoped by Hyde Housing who work with the police and social services it's just mean business
10:17-10:22 Watts is actually an district or neighbourhood Los Angeles city. 11:41-11:52 the data of the main concentration neighbourhoods of the London's Afro-Caribbean community from the United Kingdom census (5/4/1981) Brixton in the London borough of Lambeth, Dalston - London borough of Hackney, Tottenham - London borough of Haringey, Harlesden - London borough of Brent.
So as a outsider of London, did the project get finalized. An update would be good. 2021.
Yes , they have regenerated the whole area
Big up HPCC
I grew up in stonebridge complex was the heart of nw10 foundation an history will neva change.
Did you grow up around the same time as K Koke?
All I know is loads of money went missing, it was a going joke how Bridge Park was ripped off.
Hmm who do u think took the missing cash ❓
@@CamilleCorsinixx I know, do your research.
@@HONCH123 I know the whole shebang just wanted to hear your opinion 💯💫
@@CamilleCorsinixx Do you really think I was going to name people on social media? Duhhhh
@@HONCH123 no hun your answer said it all no need to be childish now
Interesting video
Any more?
Wow that was a great video upload wonder if still going and building still there
Building still going but the community lost it to Brent Council about 4 years. They fought hard to keep it but sadly it wasn't to be.
BIG UP THE FOUNDATION ACTIVISTS FROM STONEBRIDGE
DELANEY BROWN
JULIA SIMPSON
LAWERENCE FEARON
LEONARD JOHNSON
❤💛💚
No youth provision, clubs and centres have been closed down leaving young
ppl with no option but to either stay indoors and interact with other young ppl through social-media/Internet, there isn't a Youth Service in Brent young ppl are not given an opportunity to widen their horizons and through projects/activities form relationships with peers from other areas of London, this I believe would have stopped alot of the "postcode" issues that young ppl are facing now
Isn't it interesting how all their accents are perfectly English, no different from any other English person. I find it odd how that is no longer the case 75% of the time. Black British people have developed a distinct accent that is almost street/punkish. Today, if you put me on the phone to someone British, I would normally be able to tell if they are Black or White. But I bet I would have no such ability back then. Something seems to have disrupted integration and led it astray and my bet is the influx of criminal yardies followed by grime and rap culture coming from the USA.
People think I'm white English when I'm on the phone when they see me in the flesh and see I'm black Carribbean British man they have a heart attack and go red in the face 😂
Deep insight.
Thanks!
The ends.. broke, no hope mindset.. little progression living around there...
Foundation days 💯
My home Harlesden brent🔥🔥🔥
Want it all now
Interesting
Such a shame what happened to the once great London. Much better place when my grandparents grew up.
What happened to it now ?
@@spanishmontana6121 The same as what’s happened to the majority of European cities unfortunately. Absolutely ruined.
@@gazzy5303 Don't you think the colonizers did worse tho ?
Actually it wasn't.
@@spanishmontana6121 You are the colonizers. This is our country and continent.
An area that could be totally improved with an A-bomb.
From back then these Blake ppl have been wanting to be gangsters
K Koke’s ends
LEONARD JOHNSON
DELANEY BROWN
JULIA SIMPSON
LAWERENCE FERON
🖤❤️💚
Sis Burrows
I appreciate that there are many factors such as poverty, no guidance etc which can lead a youth to a life of crime but I have a question - is there any level of self accountability?
I ask because your community causes a lot of pain and I speak from personal experience - as a youngster during my high school years, I was terrorized for no reason and although I went to a multicultural school, the people who bullied me and made my teen years hell were all black. And they terrorized me for no reason.
Now as a successful man, who was raised by a single mother, I need to be be sympathetic to the pain of a community that destroyed my childhood.
It’s ironic, we need to feel your suffering and pain but you lot don’t have no compassion for the suffering and pain of others who are not black.
And I don’t think poverty is an excuse for the pain you cause others, when my mum came from Africa she was a single mum dealing with a lot of debt, which was not caused by her, she was raising 2 children and worked 3 jobs ….. but with all of this against her, she raised her 2 kids right and neither one of us went into a life of crime, although we were definitely victims of crime.