Over October half-term Russell and the Birchfield Big Local youth team ran a week-long programme for young people to explore their understanding of Black History locally. The group worked on a booklet to explore their thoughts, feelings, and general awareness of what it is to be proud of in terms of their heritage and connections.
On Monday, the group took part in an arts workshop led by Artsy Party (Ashanti Anderson) at the Afro Caribbean Millennium Centre on Dudley Road.
On Wednesday, the group visited the Crick Project on Crick Lane to talk with Faith and Jimoh about self-sufficiency and find out more about planting and growing. From there they visited Lozells Road and Malika House where Manu gave the group an overview of the project and the building’s history. The group enjoyed seeing the art at Malika House and listening to elders in the community.
The week ended with a double film matinee of Black Panther and Freedom Writers and the opportunity to contribute poems, notes, and reflections to be added to the My Endz booklet.
It was a great week and good for the group “bubble” to see each other after a long time, plus rewarding for staff to support this much needed half term scheme.
Thanks to all the young people, parents, and staff plus all the venues that allowed our group to visit, learn and make the group feel welcome.
