
Immigration

Migrant women tell their stories in powerful Birmingham 2022 Festival documentary
A powerful new documentary, which is to be screened during the Birmingham 2022 Festival, will showcase the untold stories of migrant women from the Commonwealth who made their home in Birmingham. The deeply moving tales reveal the trials and tribulations – including the horrors of racism and sexism – suffered by the women as they…

“Don’t forget about us” says Little Amal as she heads to Birmingham for Refugee Week
The puppet of Little Amal, the poignant and powerful symbol of refugees and international human rights, is due to make a grand public appearance in Birmingham this week. The 11ft tall puppet will arrive on Thursday 23 June in Victoria Square for a walkabout which will commence around 11:30am.

Birmingham volunteer group which helps vulnerable people receives The Queen’s Award
A community volunteer group which has offices in the Small Heath area of Birmingham has been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Purbanat CIC received the prestigious award for services to the community which included helping vulnerable people with mental health issues during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Birmingham imam honoured by Queen for feeding the homeless and vulnerable during COVID lockdown
A Birmingham imam who helped to feed homeless people, refugees and victims of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. Muhammad Asad’s award was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday 2 June as Platinum Jubilee celebrations commenced around the country.

First Black mayor elected to Wolverhampton city council in its 200-year history
History was made in Wolverhampton today after a former NHS nurse was elected to become the first black Mayor of the city. Councillor Sandra Samuels (Lab, Ettingshall) said she was deeply humbled by the historic appointment and hailed it as “my life’s greatest honour” after spending 23-years in local politics.

INTERVIEW: Birmingham photographer Pogus Caesar turns his lens on history and life
Birmingham artist and photographer Pogus Caesar reflects on a life behind the camera and the inspirations that compel him to produce material which continues to arouse debate decades after it was produced. Pogus Caesar took time out from his busy schedule to chat to I Am Birmingham as a second edition of his emotionally searing book ‘Handsworth…

David Cameron lambasted by Muslim groups for claiming critics of Prevent programme ‘enable terrorism’
A Birmingham community cohesion advocate has denounced suggestions by former Prime Minister David Cameron that opposing the government’s Prevent programme “enables terrorism”. In a new report published this week, former PM David Cameron has claimed people who oppose controversial de-radicalisation strategy Prevent are fuelling terrorism, but Mashkura Begum – who is openly critical of Prevent – feels…

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.

Thousands expected to join mass rally in London marking global UN anti-racism day
Hundreds of Birmingham residents are today joining thousands of people in London for a rally to mark international UN Anti Racism Day. As protests take place in cities around the world under the slogan ‘World Against Racism & Fascism’, the annual awareness day is being observed with a mass march through central London this afternoon.

Major new exhibition showcasing heritage photographs of commonwealth migrants launches in Birmingham
A major new photographic exhibition featuring thousands of images of Birmingham residents will open at the iconic Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square next month. ‘From City Of Empire To City Of Diversity: A Visual Journey,’ has been created from The Dyche Collection, one of the most important photographic collections within Birmingham Archives and acquired…