Day 6 was a relatively simple but meaningful one, as we partnered with the Birmingham Black Heritage Tour Group to explore the city’s rich history and its deep connections to Black heritage.
We started the day by arriving at Birmingham City University (BCU) around 9 a.m., where we were soon introduced to Marcia—our lively and bubbly tour guide from the Black Heritage Group. From the moment she greeted us, her energy was contagious, and it definitely helped me stay alert during her presentation.
The morning began with a history lecture that covered Birmingham’s development into Britain’s second-largest city. One key takeaway for me was learning how many of the city’s early industries were deeply intertwined with Africa. For example, the British engaged in trade with African tribes, and one disturbing example involved the use of manilla bands—a form of currency in parts of Africa. The British counterfeited these bands and used them to negotiate deals, one of which shockingly valued 1 band per 20 people. This practice contributed to the increase in enslavement, and it really stood out to me as an example of how deceitful people could be even back in the 1800s.
During the lecture, we also had the privilege of hearing from Nurse Joan, a retired healthcare worker with over 33 years of service. She spoke powerfully about the experiences of Black individuals in the healthcare and education systems, sharing both personal stories and those of her sons, who also faced racism in school. Joan was referred to as “Living History,” not only because she lived through critical periods of racial injustice, but also because she is the daughter of a man who arrived in Britain on the Windrush—a ship that brought people from Caribbean nations (and broader African communities) to help rebuild post-war Britain. Her story was inspiring, and she emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and standing up for what is right.
After the lecture, we had a quick lunch break. I tried the pesto pasta at the BCU Canteen, which I’d rate a 7/10. It was tasty and filling, although some parts were hot while others were cold but this was possibly my own fault—but it still threw off the experience slightly. That said, I’d recommend trying it for the price and portion size.
With lunch out of the way, we headed out for a walking tour of Birmingham. This part of the day was especially insightful. Marcia’s passion for history shone through at every stop. She even provided informational booklets for us to refer to as we explored the city, which I really appreciated. We visited many statues, an upscale hotel where many celebrities stayed including iconic figures such as Malcom X, and we visited Birmingham’s special Ozzy the Bull statue. One of my favorite parts of the tour was visiting the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where we explored exhibits showcasing the diverse influences on Birmingham’s development. Below is an image of one of the more striking pieces we encountered—a Buddha statue symbolizing the impact of Indian culture on the city.
