Shuley Alam Honoured with Blue Plaque

A special Blue Plaque commemorating the life and legacy of the late Shuley Alam has been unveiled in South Shields.

Shuley, founder and CEO or CREST (Compact for Race Equality in South Tyneside), was an inspirational role model for women and ethnic minorities in South Shields. She was also a Trustee of The Customs House.

The Blue Plaque was unveiled at the CREST building in Fowler Street, by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor John McCabe, on 15^th July - the third anniversary of Shuley's death, aged 46.

Those in attendance included members of the local community, Shuley's family, South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck and Newcastle councillor and the region's first Muslim Bangladeshi Lord Mayor, Habib Rahman, who nominated Shuley for a plaque.

Mayor, Cllr McCabe said: "It was a very proud moment to unveil this Blue Plaque recognising the exceptional contribution that Shuley Alam has made to South Tyneside as a champion of equality and founder of the charity CREST.

"Shuley was loved by all who knew her and made a huge difference to the lives of so many South Tyneside residents. She campaigned for social justice and change and her contribution and work to improve women's equality has certainly shone through.

"This Blue Plaque is a permanent tribute and a reminder to everybody of the work undertaken by this fantastic woman and the incredible legacy she left behind in the community she loved and supported.

"She was a real inspiration and also showed that with sheer determination and conviction, anything is possible."

Mum-of-three Shuley came to England with her family aged only four and was educated in South Tyneside. She dedicated her life to promoting race equality in South Tyneside.

Her son Iqbal said: "In own home, our beloved mother was simply known as Mam. She was a pillar of strength, overflowing with care and love. Sometimes she had her quirks that made us laugh, and she was perpetually tired from the countless responsibilities she shouldered.

"It was only after her passing that I truly grasped the magnitude of her presence in our lives. In discovering her remarkable achievements, I grew immensely proud. I see now how her compassionate and caring nature permeated every aspect of her life, particularly in her work at CREST and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

"She touched the lives of countless individuals and made a profoundly positive impact on those fortunate to know her. We couldn't be prouder to have her as a mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend."

South Tyneside's Blue Plaque scheme recognises people and places that have made a significant contribution to the Borough's rich history, heritage and culture, with members of the public invited to nominate individuals, buildings or locations to be recognised for their importance.

Each year, the Council supports the installation of up to three new blue plaques, one funded by the Council and the others privately funded. The plaque to Shuley Alam was funded by South Tyneside Council, following the successful nomination by Newcastle councillor Habib Rahman

He said: "CREST came to shape at a time when race equality and the inequality of women was a real strong challenge and here was a strong determined woman who was prepared to make changes and what CREST continues to achieve today is all down to Shuley.

"It was a pleasure to share some platform with her. Sadly, we lost her three years ago at such a young age, otherwise I know Shuley would have went on to achieve and transform a lot of policies that are unfair, not right and don't do justice."

Nominations are currently open for consideration for the 2024-25 scheme. Visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/blueplaques for further details.