Black Excellence
Birmingham student crowdfunds over £7,000 towards her outstanding tuition fees
A Birmingham-based student at risk of terminating her studies due to outstanding tuition fees has raised over £7,000 through crowdfunding. International student Joanna Idowu, currently at Birmingham City University (BCU), said she was “grateful” for the donations from over 400 well-wishers.
Culinary icon Levi Roots announced as keynote speaker for Birmingham Black Business Show
Culinary and entrepreneurial icon Levi Roots, who leaped to fame following a memorable pitch in the Dragon’s Den, has been announced as keynote speaker for Birmingham Black Business Show. The Birmingham Black Business Show has announced multi-talented Levi Roots will be keynote speaker for their much-anticipated event this year, scheduled to take place on Saturday 15 June,…
Birmingham conference set to shine spotlight on pioneering Black women in policing
A pioneering conference celebrating prominent Black women is to be held in Birmingham later this month, providing a platform for attendees to share their stories. The ‘Women in the Shade’ summit is set to take place on 18 January, with the aim of providing “a safe platform for Black women to share their stories” as well as discuss the…
“Queen of British Soul” Beverley Knight honoured by Birmingham City University
British soul singer Beverley Knight MBE said she’s “thrilled” after receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University today. The graduation ceremony took place at Symphony Hall, and the much-loved singer was handed her Honorary Doctorate from university chancellor Sir Lenny Henry.
Birmingham City University bestows highest honour upon influential artist Sonia Boyce
Respected British artist Sonia Boyce OBE, whose work has been a regular fixture at Birmingham art galleries, will receive an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University. Boyce, who has been practising art for around forty years, is being recognised for her influential contributions to the Black British art movement and her exploration of race, gender, and…
Windrush 75th anniversary celebrated with events announced across the Midlands
The Midlands region is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush into Tilbury Docks with a series of events spread across the summer. The events to mark the milestone include dance and music workshops, history talks, art exhibitions, storytelling sessions and performances at various venues.
Birmingham’s brand new Black history sculpture defaced with “sickening” racist graffiti
Birmingham’s first and only sculpture celebrating Black history and heritage has been defaced with racist graffiti, in an incident described by a city MP as “sickening vandalism”. Earlier today, local residents in Winson Green were shocked to discover the ‘Black British History is British History’ artwork – launched less than two weeks ago – had been…
Artist Michael Clarke hosts powerful exhibition in Digbeth exploring colonialism
Birmingham raised artist Michael Clarke has opened his first ever public exhibition which explores British colonialism and his African heritage. The Dambala art exhibition – free and open to all – is currently running at Digbeth Art Space in Gibb Street, within the Zellig building complex.
Children’s author G.M. Linton to host Windrush storytelling event at Library of Birmingham
A West Midlands author who was inspired to write a children’s book based on her parent’s Windrush journey, is taking part in a special storytelling event aimed at families this weekend. Local writer G.M. Linton will be coming to the Library of Birmingham on Saturday 20 May for a free and inclusive event celebrating the 75th anniversary…
New children’s book challenges gender stereotypes by celebrating women bus drivers
A new children’s book celebrating women bus drivers from the West Midlands, is aiming to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage girls to consider a career as public vehicle operators. National Express bus driver Leona Kirwan, who is features in the book, went to a Birmingham primary school to read the book to young pupils.