Archive
An archive is a place where history is collected and cared for, so it can be passed on rather than forgotten.
Although the Nello James Centre was open for over 30 years and played an important role in Manchester’s community life, there has never been a formal archive to document its history. Rekindling Nello James exists to begin building that archive.
Through this project, we have gathered photographs, memories, and creative responses shared by former volunteers, students, and local residents who used the Centre. Together, these materials tell the story of a space that offered education, activism, legal advice, and community support in Whalley Range.
This digital archive is a temporary home for these stories. While social media helps stories travel, it is not designed to preserve them long-term.
For this reason, selected materials will be donated in 2026 to the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre, ensuring the legacy of the Nello James Centre is carefully preserved and accessible for generations to come. Have a look below at some of the pieces which we have created, been gifted, and will donate to the archive.
Latest News
Radical Readers
"Together, we imagined a space that would explore Black storytelling while actively nurturing community..."
Preserving Memories of the Nello James Centre
"I'm passionate about learning and documenting the real history of people from Global Majority backgrounds to ensure recorded history is more inclusive and representative..."
For Her, and For Us
Whilst the story of the Nello James Centre will never not be a painful one, we now know better. So, we should do better. Let’s protect what’s left. Let’s build what’s missing..
Guard Her Ground
"I imagined a space where women could learn real, practical self-defence in an environment filled with warmth, music, laughter and empowerment."
Home Is Where the Pot Is
"So much of our heritage lives in our homes, in our kitchens, shared meals, in the stories exchanged while cooking side by side. Food allows knowledge to move naturally between generations..."
Six Months In: Rekindling Nello James
A round-up of the Rekindling Nello James so far, reflecting on the stories, community activations, oral history and the journey so far.
Honouring Legacies
"Being part of this work allows me to honour the elders, educators and everyday people who built community here with heart and resistance."
Malaya’s Creative Tribute to Nello James
"I hope the older generation who got to experience the Nello James Centre feels nostalgia and a sense of pride and self respect for building a community..."
Holding Space
Alieh shares how the Rekindling Nello James project has become more than heritage work — it’s an act of care, remembrance, and resistance for Manchester’s Black community.
Rediscovering a Legacy
"I’m only just discovering the story of the Nello James Centre, but learning about its legacy has revealed urgent truths..."
For Those Of You Who Don’t Know My Name Is Nello James
"the Nello James Centre is very close to my heart as a building that was quite significant in my childhood as a community space." - Keisha Thompson
Our Official Launch & First Blog
Rekindling Nello James has officially launched at the Kath Locke Centre. Our first blog post shares highlights from the day and introduces this space, where each month you’ll hear new voices reflecting on the project, its history, and the community shaping it.
