Community features

Multi-cultural Birmingham

One Birmingham

Celebrating Vaisakhi in Birmingham

By 2020 predictions show Birmingham will be the first city in the UK where people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds make-up over 50% of the population.

But what do the city's young people think about what this will mean and how these changes will impact on their future?

b:RAP (formerly known as Birmingham Race Action Partnership) want young people to explore their own ideas on how to encourage positive relationships between people from different backgrounds in a competition called One Birmingham. 

What Birmingham’s young people are saying

Multi-cultural schools in Birmingham

In 2005 b:RAP went out into schools and youth clubs across the city to find out what the young people had to say about living in a multi-cultural city.

The aim of the research was to explore young people’s experiences of inter-ethnic relationships and the attitudes towards people from different backgrounds.

The findings revealed that whilst, on the surface, young people appear to have positive opinions and relationships, when explored further young people expressed slightly different views:

Comments included:

Birmingham's African community

“Asylum seekers get whatever they want, while people born in the UK have to wait on long lists.” - Young white female

“We don’t go to that area any more, there are just too many Somalis.” - Young black British male

“If they come to our territory and start causing trouble, we will have to defend ourselves.” - Young white male

Enter the ONE Birmingham competition

After hearing these views, b:RAP have decided to hold a competition to improve relationships in the city.

The city hosts several festivals a year

Young people from secondary schools and youth groups across Birmingham, aged between 14 -19-years-old are being invited to explore their own ideas of ways to bring people together made up of people of all backgrounds in offering the same opportunities to everyone.

The big question

Here are a few questions to consider: 

• What do you think about living in a diverse city?
  
•  What can be done to improve understanding between people, to share with us your vision of Birmingham in 2020 and what we need to do to get there?
  
• How do you think we can challenge and change people’s opinions of others?
  
• How can we encourage positive relationships between people of all different backgrounds?
  
• What is wrong with the city that you think needs to be put right? How could we start going about this?

We’re all the same people

Working together at Groundwork

Young people from Groundwork in Handsworth have submitted a short film they made into the One Birmingham competition.

The film explores the views and experiences about bringing more unity in Birmingham's communities and suggests what can be done to make a difference.

Find out more and view their film.

How to enter the One Birmingham competition

Birmingham's Afro Caribbean community

To enter the competition you need to develop and present your ideas as a group using a medium of your choice, for example, artwork, photography, a newspaper article, or even a short film - be as creative as you like using whatever media you feel is most appropriate.

The One Birmingham competition is only for secondary schools and youth organisations across Birmingham.

Competition entries must be submitted against two age categories:
a. 14-16 years old
b. 17-19 years old

Schools and youth organisations entering the competition are welcome to make as many competition entries as desired under each age group.

All entries must be submitted by 16 October 2006.

Prizes, prizes, prizes

Celebrating Ramadan

The winning entrants and runners-up will receive their prizes including £500 for their school or organisation to help implement their idea at the - Celebrating One Birmingham Young People’s Event

Please contact b:RAP for an application form or if you require any further details:

Tel no: 0121 456 7400
email: [email protected]
Address: b:RAP, 9th Floor, Edgbaston House, 3 Duchess Place, Hagley Road, Birmingham B16 8NH

Celebrating One Birmingham Young Peoples event

on 3 November 2006 the Celebrating One Birmingham Young Peoples event will highlight and award young people's ideas who entered the One Birmingham Competition and about community cohesion. The event will take place at the Great Hall, University of Birmingham.

Celebrating diversity

There will be music, live performances and the chance to see entries from young people, prizes presented to winners and runners up, and the chance to socialise with other organisations.

Places for the event must be booked no later the 6 October 2006. For more information please contact b:RAP.

More about b:RAP

b:RAP is an independent voluntary organisation working to promote ‘race’ equality and human rights in collaboration with our partners (from the public, private and voluntary sectors) and most importantly, young people. 

This competition has the endorsement and support of the Local Education Authority, The Youth Service, The Connexions Service, Friendship Care and Housing, BVSC… and a growing number of agencies across Birmingham.

Visit the website for more information about b:RAP