Legacy in Action: Black History Made Local

Honouring the Life, Legacy, and Lasting Impact of Michael Hall and the Hall Family

Thank you for visiting the official page for Legacy in Action: Black History Made Local — a special event held during Black History Month to celebrate three generations of Black British contribution, rooted right here in Buckingham.

The story we shared began almost a century ago with Ada Louise Curtis, a determined young woman who left Jamaica in 1924 — decades before the Windrush generation — to start a new life in England. Her courage and independence laid the foundation for a family legacy that would eventually reach Buckingham and leave a lasting mark on its community.

That legacy lived on through Michael “Mike” Hall, Ada’s son — one of Buckingham’s most respected community figures. Together with his wife Deirdre, Mike ran The New Inn Pub for over 25 years, transforming it from a struggling venue into a lively, welcoming hub where everyone felt at home. From pub quizzes to jazz nights, community fundraisers to pensioners’ lunches — The New Inn became a symbol of everything Mike stood for: openness, connection, and local pride.

The event celebrated how these stories — from Ada’s pioneering journey to Michael’s remarkable life — continue to inspire new generations, including my own. It reminded us that Black history isn’t just made by famous names, but by everyday people who quietly shape their communities.

I hope you enjoy watching the video above and that it captures some of the warmth, pride, and shared history that filled the room that evening. You can also explore photos and videos from The New Inn on this site — moments that tell the story of a place that became much more than a pub; it became a community.