Brilliant Brummies
LGBTQ activist Joshua Williams to carry Queen’s Baton ahead of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
A young social justice activist who has battled homelessness, mental health struggles and bullying, has been selected to carry the Queen’s Baton ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Joshua Williams has been chosen by the University of Birmingham to be an official batonbearer during the Queen’s Baton Relay.
Small Heath legend Malik is honoured by Brum street artist
Enigmatic Birmingham street artist Foka Wolf has produced a giant poster tribute to a living legend of Small Heath who is recognisable to generations of Brummies. The new artwork, pasted up in Digbeth on Wednesday (1st December), is an affectionate and celebratory tribute to a much loved and charismatic character known as “mad” Malik from…
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…
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…
Edgbaston dad Saeed Ahmed wins national charity ‘Campaigner of the Year’ award
Edgbaston father Saeed Ahmed has been named ‘Campaigner of the Year’ by a national disability charity for sharing his family’s story of caring for his 21-year-old disabled son, Azhar, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saeed, 44, was recognised at the Sense Awards 2020 for supporting the charity’s #ForgottenFamilies campaign, which called on Government to reinstate services…
Deaf Birmingham teenager wins award for teaching over 50,000 people sign language online
A 15-year-old boy from Birmingham, who taught British Sign Language to more than 50,000 people during the first lockdown, has won a national award for his efforts. Student Tyrese Dibba, who is deaf and partially sighted, was named ‘Young Person of the Year’ at the Sense Awards 2020.
Wolverhampton woman raising domestic violence awareness through lived experience
An inspiring woman from Wolverhampton is hosting an online event to raise awareness about domestic violence, both towards women and men. Farisai Dzemwa, 48, who herself suffered years of abuse in her homeland, is hoping the virtual workshop will help those struggling with physical and psychological abuse from a spouse, partner or family member.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH | INTERVIEW: Sam Jordanne
Birmingham-based photographer Sam Jordanne has a passion for capturing images with a cinematic quality. Her imaginative and creative style is unique and aims to compliment her work as a videographer. Having captured stunning portraits of professional musicians and artists, she discusses her passion for photography and why representation is important.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH | INTERVIEW: Joshua Williams
Proud Brummie Joshua Williams is a journalist, broadcaster, presenter and ambassador for several high-profile community initiatives and corporate brands. He’s also been crowned Mr Birmingham, is an avid fundraising fashionista, a vocal social activist and was elected President at his university’s student guild – and he’s still only 22. We caught up with him to find…
BLACK HISTORY MONTH | INTERVIEW: Sharon Thompson
Sharon Thompson has been a Labour Councillor for the Birmingham North Edgbaston ward since 2014 and has a genuine passion to improve her local area. Once homeless herself, and a single mother at an early age, Cllr Sharon Thompson is currently the Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods and on the WMCA Housing & Land Delivery…