Raising Black Voices South Birmingham

27/12/2024

Hello wonderful Northfield Arts Forum supporters! As the weather is getting colder (and wetter!), we are asking for your support to help keep the NAF Shop creative community space on the highstreet warm and bright this winter!

27/12/2024

07/10/2024

Today we are celebrating Bernardine Evaristo who is a trailblazing author, playwright, and advocate whose work reclaims and rewrites the narratives of Black British life. As the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize for her groundbreaking novel Girl, Woman, Other, Evaristo has transformed the literary landscape by amplifying voices that are often silenced or overlooked.

Her stories offer a deep exploration of race, gender, identity, and the experiences of Black women, challenging conventional narratives and creating space for diverse perspectives. Evaristo’s work is not just about representation; it’s about reshaping how we understand British history and culture.

This , let’s honour Bernardine Evaristo’s remarkable contributions to literature and her unwavering commitment to reclaiming narratives for Black women and beyond.

07/10/2024

This weeks is 'Girl, Woman, Other' by Bernardine Evaristo.

'Girl, Woman, Other' is a vibrant, multi-voiced novel that follows the lives of 12 interconnected characters, Black British women, spanning generations and experiences. Through their diverse stories, the book explores identity, race, gender, sexuality, and the complexities of modern British life.

05/10/2024

Today we are highlighting Eric and Jessica Huntley, who were pioneers that transformed the landscape of Black British activism, publishing, and education. Originally from British Guiana, the couple dedicated their lives to fighting for racial equality, civil rights, and the empowerment of Black communities in the UK.

In 1969, they founded Bogle-L’Ouverture Publications, one of the first Black publishing houses in Britain. Through their work, they championed Black voices, publishing critical works by authors like Walter Rodney and showcasing Black history and culture in its full complexity. The Huntleys also played a vital role in grassroots activism, organising community events and protests to combat racism and injustice.

This , we celebrate Eric and Jessica Huntley’s unwavering dedication to reclaiming narratives, amplifying Black voices, and fostering a legacy of education and empowerment.

04/10/2024

Today, we’re celebrating the 'Godfather of Black British photography,’ Vanley Burke.

Burke has dedicated his life to documenting the African-Caribbean experience in the UK. Born in Jamaica and raised in Birmingham from the age of 15, his work beautifully captures the realities of Black life in Britain—from the struggles to the celebrations.

Through his powerful photography, Burke has immortalised everyday moments and major social events, creating a rich archive of Black British history. His images are not just photographs; they are living records of resilience, culture, and identity that help us reclaim our narratives.

This , we honour Vanley Burke’s incredible contribution to British photography and his commitment to preserving Black heritage.



Photo by Candice Nembhard

04/10/2024

This summer RBV had the opportunity to take part in this years Eastside Projects: EOP Summer Camp 2024. We showcased our first finished Artefact! It was amazing sharing our work with the wider Birmingham Arts community. Big thank you to Eastside Projects and for allowing us at NAF - Northfield Arts Forum to take part.

03/10/2024

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible Benjamin Zephaniah ; Birminghams poet, writer, lyricist, musician and naughty boy.

Born in Handsworth, Birmingham, Zephaniah is known for his unique blend of spoken word, reggae rhythms, and powerful social commentary. His works, like 'The Dread Affair' and 'Too Black, Too Strong' have inspired generations to think critically about race, equality, and justice.

But Zephaniah’s impact goes beyond poetry—he’s a passionate advocate for human rights and animal rights. His refusal of an OBE in 2003 made a bold statement about the legacy of empire and colonialism, further cementing his commitment to speaking truth to power.

"...Well, for most of the early part of my life I thought poetry was an oral thing. We used to listen to tapes from Jamaica of Louise Bennett, who we think of as the queen of all dub poets. For me, it was two things: it was words wanting to say something and words creating rhythm. Written poetry was a very strange thing that white people did."

This , let’s honour the voices that have shaped British culture and consciousness. Benjamin Zephaniah’s work is a reminder that words are not just for poetry—they’re for revolution. 📖✨

03/10/2024

This year's UK theme, 'Reclaiming Narratives,' is a powerful call to action. It’s about shifting the lens to amplify the untold stories of Black history—stories that go beyond the struggles to highlight resilience, achievement, and culture.

We are reclaiming the narratives that were overlooked, ensuring that Black voices and experiences are at the forefront. It’s a journey towards correcting historical inaccuracies and giving space to stories of triumph, creativity, and innovation.

Join us this month in shining a brighter light on the richness and complexity of Black heritage. Let’s continue to celebrate the brilliance and contributions that have shaped our world! ✨✊🏽

03/10/2024

During our Amplify event back in November 2023, we invited visitors to help us create and complete our new solar/constellation system. We asked participants to leave their impressions (their hands) that will hold our aspirations and affirmation for the future.

What values would you add to Raising Black Voices?