'Race' and Racism in Birmingham: Researching Post-War Archives

“Our Island story is more complex than might at first be assumed.
The evidence for the making of multicultural, multilingual, multifaith Britain can be found in archives, museums and art galleries, and in community memories”

This research guide provides an introduction into 'race' history in Birmingham.

• What myths about 'race' exist?
• How can we face cultural barriers and learn from interconnected struggles and experiences?
• How has Birmingham contributed to the fight against racism?
• How has Birmingham contributed to the national political agenda on 'race' and immigration?

Chapters in this research guide include:

• Introduction: ‘Race’ and Racism in Birmingham
• The Politics of ‘Race’ and Immigration in the 1960s
• Industrial Struggles in the 1960s and 1970s
• Unrest in Handsworth in the 1980s
• The Lozells Disturbances in the New Millennium

DOWNLOAD this research guide
Please note it may take up to a minute dependent upon your connection speed.

People and places mentioned in this research guide include: Henry Gunter; Caribbean Labour Congress; Birmingham Afro-Caribbean Association; Birmingham Trades Council; Peter Griffiths; Enoch Powell; A. Sivanandan; the Colour Bar; and, strike action.

Further links and research:

Connecting Histories - How to Research Black History

A learning package, from the Connecting Histories project, written by Professor Ian Grosvenor. It provides an introduction to researching black history using a wide range of sources.

Staff Recommends - Post-War Migration

This is an additional miscellaneous resource list of materials on the subject of ‘post-war migration’. Each item was suggested by the staff of Birmingham Archives & Heritage during research seminars held by the Birmingham Stories project. These can be used in conjuction with the resources in the learning guide on 'Race and Racism in Birmingham: Researching Post-War Archives'.