African Liberation Day 1977
The day would include a protest march, with music and speakers, and cultural and political events in Holyhead School. This photograph is taken in Soho Road
African Liberation Day 1977, Performer in Military Fatigues
The singer/guitar player is wearing a military style outfit. This was a fashion statement that showed solidarity with peoples struggles in Africa and other oppressed peoples.
African Liberation Day 1979, Handsworth Park
Crowd at African Liberation Day. This is one of Vanley's most famous images. Many people from the community were present that day, and many claim to be able to see themselves in the picture.
African Liberation Day 1981, Drumming Display
It was quite common for people from the Caribbean to be introduced to African culture and traditions, this was sometimes demonstrated by the pouring of libation or master drummers performing the opening ...
African Liberation Day, 1977
African Liberation Day demonstration 1977
Al Sharpton, Political Activist
"Controversial black political activist and preacher. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sharpton began preaching at the age of 4 and was ordained a minister at 10. He was greatly inspired by the teachings of ...
Alfred Tennyson Dickens at the Town Hall
There is no year on this item, just the day and month of 20th February, but Dickens died early in 1912 in New York so it dates from within a few years before that. Alfred was the godson of Alfred Tennyson ...
Alton Ellis, Jamaican Vocalist
"Alton Ellis, originally a dancer, started singing in the 1950s, his unique vocal style was influenced by the black churches. Over the past 25 years he performed many times at the Santa Rosa / Rialto ...
'And Most Divinely Fair'
Photograph by Ruth Handley, nd. Process: plastika.
Ruth Handley(1899-1957)was renowned as a specialist in portrait photography. Mostly known for her photographs of actors and actresses who visited ...
Andy Hamilton, Saxophonist, Ralf DeCambre, Guitarist
"Andy Hamilton, saxophonist ,was born in 1918, Port Maria, Jamaica. His first exposure to music was through his family and the church, and he made his first saxaphone out of bamboo. In 1928 he formed ...
'Anita in Black'
Photograph by Ruth Handley, nd.
Ruth Handley(1899-1957)was renowned as a specialist in portrait photography. Mostly known for her photographs of actors and actresses who visited her Handsworth studio.
This ...
Annual General Meeting
Putting up the Band Roll before the Election.
Anti Nazi Demonstration, High Street, Deritend
Police protect the Digbeth Civic Hall where the Nazi National Front are meeting.
Apache Indian, Reggae / Bhangra Artist
"Steven Kapur aka Apache Indian born 1967, Handsworth, Birmingham. For well over a decade he has skillfully fused Bhangra and Reggae to achieve international chart success, including seven British Top ...
Aston Church Institution
Aston Church Institution, despite its name, stood on Villa Street in the Soho Ward.
Athol Fugard's 'The Island'
Performed by two South African actors, at Balsall Heath Church Centre. The play is about inmates experiences on the notorious Robbin Island prison in apartheid South Africa.
Audio Files: Fred and Pat Meads remember
Author Jackie Gay (left) met up with local residents Pat and Fred Meads. Jackie interviewed the couple, talking about their lives in the area. The photograph was taken by Vanley Burke.
In the streaming ...
Austin Road Church, Handsworth
This photograph is taken at a special service. The church is full to capacity. The photograph was taken before the improvements and additional balcony were added to the building.