Black History Month launched in Birmingham with special virtual event

Birmingham’s celebration of Black History Month has been launched with a special virtual event held over the weekend.

As well as reflecting the city’s diversity and heritage, this year’s programme also reflects on the Black Lives Matter movement and the impact COVID-19 has had on Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Dub poet Moqapi Selassie performs during the Birmingham Black History Month launch

While this year’s launch on Saturday (September 26) was digital, it still featured inspiring speakers and creative performances, with many drawing on their and the wider community’s experience of the pandemic.

Live streamed on Black Story Partnership’s YouTube channel, the Birmingham (UK) Black History Facebook page, and the Birmingham Black History Month website, the online event was hosted by Rebecca Hemmings and featured special messages from public figures across the city.

Birmingham city councillor Sharon Thompson is interviewed during the Black History Month launch

A Black Lives Matter dance performance was broadcast during the Birmingham launch of Black History Month

Joining speakers were musical performances from artists including Judith Emeline, Sunbeam, dub poet Moqapi Selassie, the Aston Performing Arts Academy, and Steele & Strings, concluded with a performance from Wassifa Showcase.

Special guest interviews were also conducted with Cllr Sharon Thompson, Kameese Davis and Cllr Paulette Hamilton.

A Black Lives Matter inspired dance performances filmed in the city by the Eloquent Praise and Empowerment Dance Company and from Dance With Stago (DWS) was also broadcast.

Cllr Paulette Hamilton joined the Birmingham online launch of Black History Month

Musical performances were also shown during the live online launch of Black History Month in Birmingham

During the awareness month, organisers will be sharing stories from across the city’s African and Caribbean communities.

According to organisers of the event, “Birmingham’s Black heritage and its citizens’ own stories will also raise awareness of the challenges and the perceptions that have restricted their access to opportunities, progress and participation in our society.”