Today, we visited BCU’s City South campus once again. We settled into the same classroom and prepared for the day. A kind woman named Marcia came in to educate us on Black heritage in Birmingham. We learned about Manilla bands, which were used as currency in Africa. Once the British realized their value, they made their own out of brass and used them to trade for people. Surprisingly, one Manilla band was worth twenty people. Guns were also used in exchange for enslaved individuals. These guns were poorly made to create a cycle of income—costing £8 to produce and lasting only a short time—ensuring a consistent demand for more.
We also learned about the Lunar Society, a group of industrialists who met to discuss social issues. Matthew Boulton, who manufactured iron goods, and James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine, were members of the group. Today, the British Empire is known as the Commonwealth.
Next, a guest speaker shared her experience during the Windrush movement. She had immigrated from Jamaica, hoping to establish a new life in the UK. What she didn’t anticipate was the discrimination she would face.
After a long, delicious lunch, we embarked on our Black heritage walking tour. I had to prepare myself, as I was already exhausted from the previous day. Our first stop was the statue of Joseph Sturge, who was significant for establishing free villages in Jamaica—places where Jamaicans could live without the threat of enslavement. We saw an image of his statue before the effects of time had taken hold. It was once pristine and white, but now it is dirty and gray.
After learning about other prominent figures associated with Birmingham, such as Malcolm X, Ida B. Wells, and many more, we visited a Jamaican restaurant called Jamaya. I ordered a Jerk Chicken Salad, which was absolutely delicious. It had a variety of flavors, including avocado, spice, and a vinaigrette dressing.
After dining with the group, I returned to my room, exhausted from a full day of walking in the beating sun. I took a long nap and didn’t wake up until 9 PM. I’m excited for tomorrow, as we are heading to Oxford University.