Benjamin Zephaniah, Poet
"Born 1958 in Black River, Jamaica. Zephaniah came to England at the age of two and lived in the Lozells district of Birmingham. In the early part of his career, he performed politically motivated 'dub ...
Caryl Phillips, Writer/ Broadcaster
"Born St Kitts, West Indies. Caryl Phillips has written for cinema, television and radio. His literature deals mainly with colonial history. Books include 'The Final Passage' (1984), 'The Nature of Blood' ...
Craig Charles, Poet / Broadcaster
"Craig Charles, began his career in Liverpool as a poet, and has achieved international status through publications, radio and TV, the most famous being the cult series 'Red Dwarf'. In the 1980's 'Black ...
Craig Charles, Poet / Broadcaster, Professor Black, Magician, Channel 4:Black On Black
"Channel 4 filming 'Black on Black', a multicultural series. Handsworth based magician Professor Black, performs an illusion on Craig Charles. Charles was the resident poet on the series and had filmed ...
Jennifer Wharton aka Pepsi Poet, Probation Officer / Comedienne
"Pepsi Poet, a local comedienne known for her biting satire, often aimed at the Conservatives. In the 1980's and 90's Pepsi Poet appeared on numerous TV / Radio programmes, including Channel 4's multi ...
Keith Whitehouse: Actor
Since leaving Balsall Heath Keith Whitehouse has gone on to make many appearances on TV as an actor. You have seen him in such shows as, Hustle, The Chase, Dalziel & Pascoe, and South Riding. He appears ...
Radio-cassette and chest of drawers
Lewis Green was evidently very fond of his radio cassette, it crops up in a few pictures and he even took it away on holiday with him. Here it is in his flat on top of a chest of drawers. Many people ...
Rustie Lee, Chef / TV Personality
"Rustie Lee achieved national recognition as the chef with the infectious laugh on TV AM. She has owned a Caribbean takeaway and restaurant in Handsworth. Rustie also opened a restaurant in Hurst St, ...
Steel Pulse, Mykael Riley
"Former member of 'Steel Pulse' , Mykael Riley's vocals and percussion can be heard on the group's 'Handsworth Revolution' album. In 1978 he appeared with Pulse on Top of the Pops performing 'Ku Klux ...
The Girl In The Fireplace
Keith Whitehouse also travelled in time as an actor. The lad from Balsall Heath appeared in the Doctor Who episode "The Girl In The Fireplace". Starring David Tennant as The Doctor, Billie Piper as Rose ...