As Haringey gears up to take centre stage as the London Borough of Culture in 2027, the spotlight falls on some of the remarkable individuals who embody the rebellious, free-spirited energy of the borough. Among them is Veronica McKenzie—a writer, film director, curator, and archivist whose work is a testament to the vibrant history and culture of Haringey.
McKenzie, known for her acclaimed films Under Your Nose and Nine Nights, is also the visionary behind the Haringey Vanguard project, which preserves the history of Black LGBTQ+ activists in the borough from the 1970s to the 1990s. As she develops her next film and explores new ventures, she reflects on her journey, her inspirations, and her hopes for Haringey’s cultural future.
“Haringey shaped my creative voice”
Raised near Seven Sisters and now living near Turnpike Lane, McKenzie describes Haringey as a borough rich with cultural mashups and grassroots innovation.
“The National Front was around when I was growing up, so there were anti-racist and anti-fascist marches. There were lively after-school clubs, punks, and rastas living next door. Lovers Rock singers and musicians hung out at the Body Music record shop. It was an exciting time,” she recalls. “Now, I still get influenced just walking down West Green Road!”
Her definition of a rebel? “A rebel is an outsider—someone who has the courage to forge their own path and stand up for themselves and others,” she says.
On creativity and resilience
McKenzie didn’t always have the encouragement she needed to pursue her artistic dreams. “I didn’t get any good career advice at school. They suggested I become a nurse, even though I excelled in art,” she shares. But an old boss offered her some valuable wisdom: “Get a mentor and stay away from office gossip.”
These days, McKenzie finds her strength in balance and inclusivity. A trained yoga teacher, she’s planning to specialise in inclusive yoga for people over 40. “You don’t need to be white, thin, and bendy to do yoga,” she laughs.
Dreams for Haringey’s cultural year
As Haringey prepares for its year as London Borough of Culture, McKenzie has an ambitious idea to showcase the borough’s queer history.
“I’d love to turn my work on queer history into an interactive map so people could get a feel for how many queer venues Haringey used to have,” she says.
Her passion for storytelling continues with her latest project, Under Your Nose, which chronicles the activists who founded the UK’s first community centre for Black LGBTQ+ people in the 1980s. The film will screen at Park View School on 21 February, followed by a Q&A session.
Favourite Haringey spots and inspirations
McKenzie treasures the quieter corners of Haringey, like the café in Downhills Park, where she used to have weekly writing sessions. She also praises singer and actor Leee John, a dedicated supporter of the West Indian Cultural Centre.
“He took time out of his tour to support a benefit I was organising and gave a great performance,” she says.
Despite her achievements, McKenzie finds humour in misconceptions about her. “The funniest thing I’ve read about myself is that I’m an academic,” she says with a chuckle.
As Haringey celebrates its creatives, McKenzie embodies the spirit of the Rebel Borough—a blend of resilience, creativity, and community pride.
To book your place for Under Your Nose or stay updated on Haringey’s cultural journey, visit the council’s website and sign up for their newsletter.
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