Martin Luther King famously said that “a riot is the language of the unheard.”1 The ordinary people of the North-East Inner-City were not involved in the riots; they are its victims. But their voices remain largely unheard. We hope that this issue of Working Notes helps raise the voices of the people of the North-East Inner- City and that the many brilliant initiatives they sustain become more famous than the tired stereotypes and caricatures that seem to dominate among our political leadership. My neighbours deserve that.

Adrianne works in ELI and has been a Parent-child plus Home Visitor for 16 years. Born in the NEIC and raising her own family here.

Amy Cooney is a ELI Parent plus worker, born and raised in NEIC

Children’s access to an illicit drug free
environment is not possible. There are knock on
effects for their life chances – restricted
education opportunities or a pathway to
serious crime. As the neglect of these areas
continues, the illegal drug industry could
become integral to the economy of the
area

Ian Tracy is an Architect based on North Great George Street for 12 years.