Happy Black History Month! Celebrating Black History Month: Seeking the Pioneers
October is Black History Month — a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, achievements and contributions of Black communities across the UK and around the world.
At Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG), we believe Black history is an important part of our shared history. It is not only about looking back at the people and movements that have shaped our communities but also recognising the individuals continuing to create change today.
In 2022, we launched Seeking the Pioneers, an ambitious two-year project celebrating the powerful history of local race activism from the 1940s to today. With generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the initiative aims to connect and inspire communities by preserving the stories of trailblazing pioneers who challenged structural racism and helped shape modern Britain.
Through Seeking the Pioneers, we have had the opportunity to meet, interview and share the stories of people whose activism, leadership, creativity and community work have contributed to the social history of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
Their stories remind us that Black history is not simply about the past. It is a living history, shaped by the people who continue to challenge racism, create opportunities, strengthen communities and inspire future generations.
Meet the Pioneers
As part of the project, we interviewed a diverse range of inspiring Black pioneers, each with their own experiences, achievements and contributions.
Anita Shervington is a science and cultural strategist advancing racial equality and justice through Black STEAM. Born in Small Heath, Birmingham, she co-founded BLAST, a festival and community engagement platform bringing together science, arts and Black culture as a force for change.
She is Co-Chair of the Birmingham branch of the British Science Association and has been awarded a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship and a Wellcome Trust Public Engagement Fellowship for her work advancing STEM engagement in underrepresented communities.
Bishop Desmond Jaddoo MBE is a Birmingham-born community activist, church leader and advocate for social justice, known for his work supporting the Windrush Generation, racial equality and community empowerment.
He is Chair of the Windrush National Organisation and Deputy Chair of the West Midlands Race Equality Taskforce. Through his community work and the Birmingham Empowerment Forum, he promotes civic participation and amplifies the voices of young and underrepresented communities.
In 2023, Desmond was awarded an MBE for his services to the Windrush Generation. He also spearheaded the Benjamin Zephaniah Memorial Forest project in 2024, honouring the life and legacy of the celebrated poet and activist.
Deirdre LaBassiere is a governance specialist, thought leader and community advocate with more than 20 years’ experience across health, housing, charity, arts and corporate sectors. Based in Birmingham, she is passionate about ethical leadership, accountability, social justice and creating organisations that serve their communities.
A qualified lawyer and Fellow of the Lunar Society, Deirdre has held senior governance roles across NHS Trusts, housing associations and national charities. She also runs LaBassiere Consultants Ltd, supporting charities, faith organisations and social enterprises with governance, assurance and risk management.
Deirdre is Chair of the Legacy Centre of Excellence and WAITS, and serves on the Board of Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association. Her work brings together governance, culture and community, with a particular focus on belonging, representation and intergenerational legacy.
Her approach, captured in her Governance with SOUL™ framework, reflects her belief that governance can go beyond compliance to become a tool for stewardship, empowerment and positive change.
Dr Martin Glynn is a criminologist, educator, dramatist, screenwriter, children’s author and data storyteller with more than 40 years’ experience across criminal justice, public health and education. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at Birmingham City University.
Martin uses storytelling, theatre and the arts to explore social issues and support personal transformation. He founded BLAK (UK) (Being Liberated and Knowledgeable) and has written and directed work for theatre and radio. In 2018, he co-authored Revealed, a play exploring anger and relationships across three generations of Black men.
Gilroy Brown is an educator, community artist and pastor with more than 40 years’ experience in education, including 37 years with Birmingham’s education service. He served as a primary school Headteacher and Local Authority School Advisor, and trained aspiring school leaders through the National College for Leadership.
A passionate advocate for Black arts and education, Gilroy exhibited his artwork at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery alongside artists including Vanley Burke, Pogus Caesar and Juginder Lamba. He also co-founded the KWESI mentoring programme, supporting young people across Birmingham schools.
Gilroy has contributed to national Art and Design curriculum development and multicultural education resources. Since 2014, he has served as Pastor of Mount Shiloh Apostolic Church in Wolverhampton. In 2023, he published his autobiography, Redeemed, reflecting on his professional and spiritual journey.
Khembé Clarke is an EDI consultant, facilitator, trainer and social justice advocate with more than 20 years’ experience in learning and development. Through her work, she creates spaces where equity, diversity and inclusion become lived realities.
She is the founder of Kemcan Training and Consultancy Ltd and has held leadership roles in further education and at Birmingham Professional Diversity, championing diverse talent and inclusive workplaces.
Khembé is also the founder of the Return to Your Roots Festival, which celebrates African Caribbean heritage while promoting self-acceptance, health, wellbeing and community empowerment.
Her contribution to equality and community development was recognised with the Black Female Achiever Award from BBC WM & BCC.
Explore the Stories
These are just some of the many inspiring people we had the opportunity to interview through Seeking the Pioneers. Each conversation offers a personal insight into the experiences, achievements and activism that have helped shape Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
Throughout Black History Month, we invite you to explore these stories and discover the people behind the history.
Many interviews are available on the BRIG YouTube channel and the Beyond Racism website, where you can hear directly from the pioneers and learn more about their journeys, work, and contributions.
By sharing these stories, we hope to preserve local histories, celebrate the people who paved the way for others, and inspire future generations to build on their legacy.
This Black History Month, join us in celebrating the pioneers — past and present — whose stories remind us that Black history is Birmingham’s history, British history and living history.
