From Hackney, With Love

For so many decades, Hackney wasthe pinnacle of the dynamic multicultural spirit of modern Britain,demonstrated by the borough's vibrant and energetic streets and oftencontroversial political, cultural and socio-economic character. But today, theHackney that long-standing residents once treasured seems to be disappearing. The borough's diverse working-class communities - who survived the run-downcouncil estates, the overwhelming deprivation and the postcode wars - areincreasingly being pushed out by the middle classes who buy up their homes,rename their shops and reshape their neighbourhoods. How did Hackney go from being oneof the poorest and most uninviting places in the country to being one of themost sought-after locations? In these pages, lifelong resident Richard Yeboahuncovers the borough's lively history, revealing the uncomfortable story of howgentrification has transformed Hackney, for better or for worse. Examining some of the mostcontested issues facing the borough today - including housing and regeneration,politics, class, race, education, youth violence, culture and gender identity -Yeboah amplifies the voices of Hackney's new, existing and former communitiesand explores the relationship between gentrification and feelings of belongingand loss. From Hackney, With Love isboth a unique love letter to one of the most vibrant parts of London and awarning that its very existence is in jeopardy.

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