BLM
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…
Hidden histories of Birmingham’s Windrush Generation made available to public for first time
Historic audio recordings touching upon the trials and tribulations of people who arrived in Birmingham as part of the Windrush Generation are being made available to the public for the first time ever by Birmingham Museums. The oral histories, available online, feature the life stories of people who came to the UK from the Caribbean…
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…
Over 76,000 support cancer patient Lewin’s campaign to stay in the UK amid deportation threats
A petition campaigning against the deportation of an elderly cancer patient has received more than 76,000 signatures. Lewin Williams, 74, has lived in Birmingham for almost 20 years and has been receiving hospital treatment for myeloma, a type of blood cancer, twice a week.
West Bromwich Albion fan jailed for online racist abuse of player Romaine Sawyers
A West Bromwich Albion fan was jailed on Thursday (30 Sept) for racially abusing player Romaine Sawyers online after the culprit was tracked down by a football hate crime officer. PC Stuart Ward launched an immediate investigation after being alerted to the offensive post from Simon Silwood, 50, in January this year, which left the…
Street art mural of Muslim girl riding skateboard stuns Birmingham residents
A mural depicting a Muslim girl riding a skateboard has stunned Birmingham residents who have praised the artwork for its bold approach to inclusivity. The street art has been created by talented graffiti guru Bunny Bread and is part of a series of murals which aim to engage local residents in Lozells through an interactive public arts…
Man, 50, convicted after racially abusing footballer Romaine Sawyers on Facebook
A man has been convicted of racially abusing footballer Romaine Sawyers online after being tracked down by a dedicated football hate crime officer. Police Constable Stuart Ward of West Midlands Police launched an immediate investigation after being alerted to the offensive post from offender Simon Silwood in January this year, which included slurs that left the…
Community comes together to salvage defaced Malcolm X mural supporting Palestine
A mural in Kings Heath commemorating the visit to Smethwick by civil rights activist Malcolm X in 1965, with the art showing solidarity with Palestinians, was vandalised this week but later salvaged with a ‘Choose Love’ slogan written over the damage. The act of wanton vandalism against the artwork has generated more interest in the…
IN PICTURES: Simmer Down Festival 2021 in Handsworth Park
The sun was shining over Birmingham on Sunday as the Simmer Down Festival made a welcome return to its home in Handsworth Park following a limited virtual presence online during the pandemic last year. Headlined by British reggae group Aswad, the reggae-fest was a celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture and music as thousands of revellers descended on…
Birmingham festival celebrating local diversity gets celebrity backing ahead of June launch
An annual festival celebrating diverse communities across Birmingham is set to take place this month and will be delivered both digitally and at a physical venue. Being held on select days between 12-26 June, ‘This is My City’ will bring together Birmingham residents to celebrate the rich cultures of the UK’s second city, with a strong focus on…