From the heart of Nigeria, a champion of the middleweight boxing world emerged, who would not only pound the boxing ring but also fiercely tackle the dire social issues of his time – discrimination and inequality. This hero, Charles Minto, would soon distinguish himself as a passionate advocate for people of African descent.
Having established his abode in North Shields from the 1920s, Minto displayed an unwavering dedication towards advancing the rights and welfare for scores of black settlers in the town. This brave, resilient man left such an indelible imprint on society that he received recognition from the renowned Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. Macmillan fittingly lauded Minto as a “torchbearer and leading spirit”, words that aptly encapsulated his pioneering influence and zealous commitment to his cause.
To commemorate his remarkable contributions, North Shields Customer First Centre is hosting a distinctive display dedicated to Minto as part of Black History Month. David Young from North Shields Heritology Project was deeply moved by Minto’s story, hailed his unyielding “determination and resolve.”
Young further expounded on Minto’s commendable efforts to secure better accommodation, scale up community events, and provide innumerable job opportunities and employment rights for over 500 persons, including approximately 300 children of Caribbean and West African ancestry, residing in North Shields.
As the world teetered on the brink of war in 1939, Minto made his next heroic mark. He petitioned the government to lend its support towards establishing a new hostel for 300 African and West Indian sailors stranded in North Shields due to the outbreak of war.
Honoring Minto’s influential role, a blue plaque will be placed on an estate agents’ office on Northumberland Place – a building that once housed Colonial House, the hostel, and community center Minto initiated. Colonial House was inaugurated in 1942 by the then-future Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, who envisaged that Minto’s efforts would spawn an enduring movement across the society.
True to his indomitable spirit, Minto was conferred an MBE in 1949 New Year’s Honours list. Even post-war, he tenaciously battled employment discrimination and frequently organized fundraisers and social events that allowed black children to mingle freely with their white peers – an earnest endeavor to bridge the gap and foster solidarity between the two communities.
Closing the chapter of this tale with great humility, the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Dame Norma Redfearn, found it an absolute “privilege to remember such a pivotal figure in the history of North Tyneside in the 20th Century”. This historic tale of Charles Minto serves as a testament to the power of individuals who dare to challenge the status quo and strive for equality and justice in society.
