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Narendra Makanji moved to Haringey in the late 1970s and became involved in the anti-racism movement combatting the National Front, which was strong within the borough.

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In 1982 he became the Councillor for Noel Park, where he lived, one of only a handful of
BAME politicians in the council. In national politics Narendra would be remembered for the
work he had done in ensuring BAME representation in UK Parliament. As Chair of the Labour Party Black Sections, he was pivotal in securing the election of Bernie Grant, Diane Abbott,
Lord Boateng and Keith Vaz, the first BAME MPs to enter Parliament in 1987.

 

Narendra passionately supported the creation of the Selby Centre in 1986 and supported the development of the Selby Trust in 1992. He believed in the strength of Haringey’s diversity and understood the need for all cultures within the borough to have a space to grow and integrate as one community.

 

Narendra later joined the Trustee board, where he played an important role in its survival and development. Sadly, on 4th April this year Narendra passed away, leaving a huge void not only at the Selby Centre but in a range of community projects across the borough who benefited from his wisdom and the gift of his time. He is deeply missed.

 

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