A special guided walk to mark Black History Month is taking place on Westside next week.
The Canal & River Trust based in Westside has been working with the Black Heritage Walks network to provide the tour called Let’s Walk – Birmingham Black History.
The free walk on Wednesday 13 October will showcase how black heritage is linked to Birmingham’s canal network, the rise of the industrial revolution and cultural arts.
The 3km walk starts at 10am and will start at South Loop Park, continuing between Port Loop and The Roundhouse before ending in Westside’s Brindleyplace.
Those taking part will be shown some of the cultural gems and artefacts located in Westside and wider parts of the city that celebrate black heritage.
Elaine Weir, business liaison manager at Westside BID, said: “It’s great to see businesses celebrating Black History Month, as it’s an ideal opportunity to learn more about the people and cultures around us.
“Birmingham is an incredibly diverse city, and its lovely to see so many businesses doing their bit to embrace the month”.
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it’s also known as African American History Month. It has received official recognition from the US and Canadian governments, and has been more recently observed in Ireland and the UK.
Tahir Paraz, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “We are pleased to work with a local organisation on such an important cause. Here at the Canal & River trust we are all about empowering and learning more about our local community and those around us.”
The Black Heritage Walks networks feel that the walking tours allow people to view their surroundings in a different way.
A spokesperson said: “It’s about building connections and gaining a whole new perspective, not just a black perspective, by looking at things you’ve driven or walked past in a new way.
“A unique aspect of the heritage tours is that the participants add value to the research by sharing their own stories and experiences.”
● To book a place on the walk, visit Let’s Walk – Birmingham Black History Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
● To get involved with future Black Heritage Walk Network events, email blackheritagewalksnetwork@gmail.com or visit Black Heritage Walks Network | Black Heritage Walks Network.
