Black History in Birmingham Libraries

Birmingham Archives and Heritage is now CLOSED until 3 September 2013 when the Library of Birmingham on Centenary Square will open.

Staff are working on our collections to check, document and repackage thousands of items ready for their transfer to the new building during this time. This work will be our major task and consequently we are not able to respond individually to enquiries until after September 2013.

However, if you are specifically requesting personal information held about yourself, a member of staff will contact you to discuss this further:

Email: archives.heritage@birmingham.gov.uk

For all other enquiries, please contact us again once we open in the new library.

We regret the inconvenience this is likely to cause to our users. Details of the services we will be providing from September will appear in due course on the new website as well as contact details for the new Library.

Meanwhile to keep in touch with us, please follow our blog at: http://theironroom.wordpress.com/ and to follow the progress of the new library please see: libraryofbirmingham.com

Resources

Features on Black History in Birmingham Menu - Our popular menu featuring aspects of Black history in Birmingham including the early black presence, migration, religion, arts and politics

Connecting Histories - An innovative project which aims to use to culturally diverse archive collections to promote learning and community engagement.

A Shared History, A Shared Future - This project celebrates 200 years since the abolition of the slave trade and explores how slavery in all its forms has operated throughout history.

Black History Collection - A collection in Central Library to showcase some of the extensive Black History resources.

Black Writing - New writers and projects, plus established black writers of fiction, poetry and drama

Black History Sources - Sources in Archives and Heritage which highlight the diversity of the city's population.

Making Connections: Birmingham Black International History
A book about Birmingham Black International History

Birmingham Stories - Birmingham Storiesis an exciting project that intends to extend an awareness of the diverse histories of the city in its many voices and cultures. Unlocking the experiences contained in archive and heritage materials, the project will present a series of public workshops and free online research guides.

Digital Handsworth - A web-site documenting the ancient parish of Handsworth from its early history up to the present day.

Images from Birmingham International Carnival 2003 by Brigitte Winsor - Images from Birmingham International Carnival
by Brigitte Winsor

Pogus Caesar - A fascinating insight into the life and work of Pogus Caesar, an artist, producer and photographer based in Birmingham

'Some Common Bond' - From Paul Robeson to the Birmingham Anti-Apartheid Movement, learn more about Birmingham's connections to Black International History

Black Xibit book list - A review of recommended books featuring international authors such as Courtia Newland, Maya Angelou, LintonKwesi Johnson and many more ...

THE EXCHANGE PROJECT - A photographic project linking the sister cities of Birmingham and Johannesburg through the photography of George Hallet and Vanley Burke

Vanley Burke - For those interested in the study of black people in Britain, the Vanley Burke Collection is one of Birmingham City Archive's most significant bodies of material. Learn more about the man described as the 'Grandfather' of Black British Photography ...

Henry Gunter - A fascinating insight into the life of Henry Gunter, a Trade Unionist, Activist, Editor and Journalist based in Birmingham. Written by Dr Roi Kwabena

Portraits of Black Achievement on the Connecting Histories web site

Black History in Birmingham Libraries

Resources

Related links