The latest news, updates and events in Birmingham
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…
A new short film called Kaur, produced by talent from the Midlands, tells the story of a British South Asian woman’s decision to wear a turban as part of her Sikh faith despite her father’s misgivings and fears about reprisals. Kaur tackles the uncharted subject matter in a sensitive manner and highlights the social –…
Award-winning Birmingham actor, comedian and television presenter Adil Ray has described the Commonwealth Games as an “embarrassment” for his home city, as a race row over diversity and inclusivity continues to mar the sporting event. The Good Morning Britain presenter added his voice to a chorus of concerned creatives and community leaders who have already expressed…
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…
A London restaurant has come under fire for publishing an advertisement deemed “racist” by members of the British Asian community. The Ivy Asia restaurant has received a backlash from Stop Asian Hate activists, including its Birmingham chapter, after releasing an offensive marketing campaign portraying East and South East Asian people as demeaning caricatures.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street has pledged to adopt a new scheme tackling boardroom inequality, following the decision by Birmingham City Council to embrace the same initiative to tackle racial prejudice in the workplace. The new scheme – named the RACE code – aims to encourage race equality in the boardroom and is being piloted by the West Midlands…
Following the launch of the RACE Equality Code 2020, Birmingham City Council has announced that it will become an early adopter of the framework to tackle racism and racial inequality. Developed by Dr Karl George MBE following the death of George Floyd in the United States and the global Black Lives Matter campaign, it draws together…
An open letter criticising the organisers of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham about a lack of diversity has been signed by prominent figures from across the city. Endorsed by community representatives from across Birmingham, the letter challenges officials organising the Commonwealth Games to take seriously concerns about unequal representation at the top of the planned event’s…
An event organised by the Birmingham FA and The Albion Foundation has been held to highlight the success of black and ethnic minority talent in football. The organisations came together to mark Black History Month with an event celebrating diversity and opportunity across local and national football, focusing on the success and opportunities for people from BAME backgrounds and…
BAFTA winner and social entrepreneur Akala confronted issues of race and class as part of a new book launched at Birmingham City University this evening. ‘Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire’ sees the MOBO award-winning artist discuss policing, education and politics, exploring issues which he considers are at the heart of the legacy…