Art and faith reflections: eco journey

I have always been keen on heritage and arts as a young person, growing up, i enjoyed going on school trips, my favourite was the black country living museam, i remember it like yesterday, it felt like going back in time, i loved the limestone caves and learning about the hisrory and the people who worked in the black country, did you know that the distinctive red brick was made here.

My Muslim faith teaches me to learn, i find leraning about other cultures, helps me and educates me, its the best way to overcome ignorance i think. I am a regular vistor to digbeth first friday with birmingham race impact group are a part of, which i am a member of, its a anti racacist charity based at the Warehouse, a co operative building. Digbeth first friday showcases arts from small galleries in digbeth such as Eastside projects, grand union art gallery and centralla, i really enjoy learning about ideas and art which is interactive. Why not go along its free and there is plently to see.

I was asked to be part of the Brig pioneer photo project, i went to thje warehouse cafe for the photoshoot and shared a quote for the video achirve. A few weeks ago, i was invited to the launch which took place at Birmingham museam, its on the ground floor foyer when you walk in at the entrance. There are about 50 photos of activists, academics from black and brown people who can made a difference to birmingham. I felt really humbled to be amongst people who have dedicated their lives to fighting racism. I have experienced it myself, its a horrible feeling, i always believe that we are all human beings who have right to live with dignity, as a person of colour, i feel that been visably brown, makes we vanreable, especially now with the rise of the far right. I still believe diogue is best apprach and there is nothing like food sharing and bringing people together. At the day of the launch, local people passing by where keen to chat and find out more and it was refreshing to meet people of all cultures. One lady i spoke too also loves growing food and thanked me for the work i was doing.

Did you know there are places like Balsall heath second saturday, based at the old print works on Moseley road, a place for community, where you can learn a craft such as making things, there is childrens activities so family freindly. There is a jamaican cafe based next door at the former mix cafe, which is also a arts cafe, i really like it because not only can you get yourself a nice coffee, who would not like a hot brew, bu a opportunity to see art from countries like afghanistan, there was a kite making workshop there last year, where the community all went to the local park to fly the kite too. Did you know tfind it reahat kite racing is a national sport in Afghanistan, its also a majority Muslim Country. I find it really interesting that there is so muich diversity in cultures in birmingham and that art is playing a vital role in communigty anmd culture awareness.

It will be 750 years anniversary for the founding of Balsall heath on 13th December 2025 at st pauls community trust, its a good way to learn about the history of the area and meet pasta nd local people, why not come along and bring family and freinds, all are welcome.