As the 2012 London Olympics loom, this is a good time to remember John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic podium.  It sparked great controversy.

Their show of defiance remains one of the most iconic images of Olympic history. “A lot of the athletes thought that winning medals would supersede or protect them from racism. But even if you won the medal it ain’t going to save your momma. It ain’t going to save your sister or children,” says Carlos.

The…

If you're not happy with the big banks check out Move your money.  Barclays, RBS and HSBC have all been in the media in recent days -  here are some alternatives.

De Beauvoir Gardeners' group (which is open to all Hackney residents) started this project as part of Chelsea Fringe, which began in 2012 - but we didn't intend it to begin and end with the three weeks for which the Fringe officially ran this year.

Our idea was to use the Fringe project to kick-start a street and estate planting initiative across as…

After the 4-week closure of parts of Hackney Marshes for the Hackney Weekend, we'd like to get the experiences & views of anyone who uses the Marshes.

Hackney Council envisages up to three events attracting 100,000 people on the marsh every year, under its new events policy (April 2012). When the next event is proposed we would like to be ready with the evidence from this one.

Did the closures and the Weekend affect you? Please let us know, with a comment here or at…

This fascinating series on BBC has traced the social and planning history of London's streets from Charles Booth's poverty maps to the present day.  Next Wednesday 11th July at 9pm on BBC2 the programme features Arnold Circus, just outside Hackney, but well known in the area.

"The episode features Arnold Circus, in the east end and the story of a Victorian social experiment that changed Britain. Arnold Circus is home to the first council estate which opened in 1896. The planning…

London 2012 Festival. Top tips & recommendations for arts events over Summer 2012 across the U.K. Stockhausen Opera performed in Helicopters, Light messages installation along Hadrian's Wall. The best of Shakespeare festival. Music from Gorillaz, Labrinth, John Cooper Clarke, Fatboy Slim and Nicky Taylor. Features interview & Music from Singer and Songwriter Adam Donen. Presenting & interviewer: Charley…