Public history & recognition

In Search of My Father’s Blue Plaque

An ongoing development strand exploring recognition, public memory and Black British housing history.

In Search of My Father’s Blue Plaque campaign artwork with an archive photograph and a blue plaque

Archive / Community / Legacy

Recognition, public memory and Black British housing history.

Status: Ongoing development.

Why recognition matters

From private memory to public record.

Recognition is more than commemoration. It is about ensuring that contributions once overlooked become part of the public record and remain visible to future generations.

The search for a plaque sits within JAHA’s wider work to recover, document and share James Alexander’s contribution to housing and community life.

Joanna Alexander smiling and holding the framed Redbridge Black History Month Legacy Award for James Alexander
Joanna Alexander receiving the Redbridge Black History Legacy Award on behalf of her father, James Alexander, 2023.
Close-up of the framed Redbridge Black History Legacy Award for Property and Homes bearing James Alexander’s name

Recognition already in motion

A legacy recognised by the community.

In 2023, James Alexander received the Redbridge Black History Legacy Award for Property & Homes, recognising his contribution to housing and community life.

The recognition forms part of a wider process of restoring James Alexander’s work to public memory — through film, archive, research and the continuing exploration of permanent commemoration.

Continue the conversation

Discuss public history, recognition and commemoration with JAHA.

Contact JAHA about this project