Black Excellence
Birmingham 2022 official under fire after suggesting city lacks large ethnic minority creative organisations
A Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games official has come under fire from community leaders after suggesting Birmingham does not “have enough large ethnically-led creative organisations” to help facilitate reaching out to more diverse communities. Martin Green, the Chief Creative Officer for the Games’ organising committee, was responding to a question about whether recent concerns from members of the…
Photography exhibition featuring images of migrant communities to be launched in Birmingham
International renowned photographer Vanley Burke will be launching a brand new photography exhibition celebrating working class and migrant communities in Birmingham this week. The Ikon Gallery is showcasing a series of portraits documenting migrant communities in the city as part of a project, led by the University of Birmingham, capturing the migrant experience.
Here’s some of the best dressed stars at this year’s MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards 2021 were held in Coventry over the weekend, once again showcasing the best music of black origin in the UK and internationally. Those who took away a prestigious awards this year include Wizkid and Ghetts, at a ceremony where previous years’ winners have included Sam Smith, So Solid Crew, Tina Turner, Destiny’s Child and…
Inspiring Muslims to share leadership stories during Islamophobia Awareness Month
Inspiring Brummies in positions of leadership across the city’s Muslim community are to share their journeys, struggles and achievements in a series of events to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month. Organised by the Birmingham chapter of national community empowerment alliance Citizens UK, the ‘In conversation…’ discussions will be held at local venues to engage with diverse communities across…
INTERVIEW: Emerging classical star Isata Kanneh-Mason set to wow audiences in Birmingham
One of the UK’s most exciting young classical musicians will perform at Town Hall, a B:Music venue, for the very first time later this month. Isata Kanneh-Mason – who is the eldest of the seven musically prodigious Kanneh-Mason siblings – has won a place on ECHO’s Rising Stars touring series for the 2021-22 season, during…
Midlands’ unsung heroes celebrated at star-studded Birmingham awards show
Unsung heroes from the community and business sectors have been honoured at a special awards ceremony in Birmingham which aims to recognise people who “go that extra mile” and inspire others to do the same. The Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) awards took place at the Eastside Rooms in Woodcock Street on Saturday, paying tribute to unsung heroes from the region…
UB40 band member Astro, 64, dies following short illness
Astro, a founding member of the Birmingham based musical group UB40, has died following a short illness, it has been announced. A statement on the band’s official Twitter said “We are absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken to have to tell you that our beloved friend Astro has passed away after a short illness.
10 stunning murals launched in Lozells as interactive Birmingham art trail goes live
A series of stunning murals have been unveiled throughout Lozells in Birmingham as part of an interactive arts trail created to inspire local residents. The colourful artworks have been designed at 10 different locations across the north Birmingham neighbourhood by artist Bunny Bread as part of the Gallery37 project, a city-wide 3-year visual arts project…
OPINION | Selbin Kabote: Why isn’t my professor Black?
While thinking about what to write for Black History Month, the recurring question in my mind came from a panel discussion at University College London in March 2014 – “Why isn’t my professor Black?” Although Britain is a multicultural society with a rich migration history, however according to official figures, only 155 out of the…
David Olusoga announced to attend Birmingham Lit Fest 2021 during Black History Month
David Olusoga, one of the UK’s most respected historians and broadcasters, is due to attend the Birmingham Literature Festival 2021 on Saturday (9th Oct) during Birmingham Black History Month. The acclaimed writer will be in conversation about his new book ‘Black and British: A Forgotten History’ and take questions from the audience at an event…