Hackney mayor issues ‘blackface’ warning ahead of Purim festivities

The Mayor of Hackney has issued a warned against the wearing of blackface as part of fancy dress ahead of the forthcoming Purim festival.

In a message to the borough’s Stamford Hill community the Labour Mayor Philip Glanville wrote of the need to be “particularly mindful when choosing fancy dress to avoid costumes that can stereotype or offend other communities.”

The warning follows the emergence last year of individuals who were videoed participating in Purim celebrations in blackface and Rastafarian clothing, which sparked anger.

In a leaflet distributed to the community Mayor Glanville wrote of Purim being a “joyful occasion” and one in which “cultural histories” could be righly be celebrated.

He added the Charedi community were “such an important part of our unique and special borough” but that there was also a need to “respect the traditions and identity and dignity of other community groups, which is why I am asking for people in Stamford Hill to be particularly mindful when choosing fancy dress.”

Last March a video recorded by a member of the local Black community sparked anger and newspaper reports, as it captured evidence of blackface at Purim festivities.

The Pinter Trust, which was named after Rabbi Avrohom Pinter and has the backing of Charedi rabbinic authorities later issued a statement saying: “Whilst it is traditional to wear fancy dress on Purim, it is wholly unacceptable to wear any costumes which are offensive in any way.”

Purim begins on the evening of March 6th.