Race History Detectives - March Cohort

Following the fantastic success of our February cohort, the Seeking the Pioneers project is delighted to announce that we will be offering another Race History Detectives course this March (dates to be confirmed).

Race History Detectives is an accredited, community-focused training programme designed for young people, students and community members who want to explore and preserve Birmingham’s often-overlooked history of anti-racist activism. The course supports BRIG’s vision of building a truly anti-racist city by 2035 and reflects our continued journey towards Beyond Racism.

Now entering its second year, the programme has been developed by academics and community activists and is delivered as an intensive two-day, in-person course. It promotes intergenerational learning, leadership development and shared community responsibility. The weekend format, shaped by participant feedback, allows learners to complete the full programme while maintaining a supportive and safe space for thoughtful and sensitive discussions.

Course Content

Over two days, participants will explore:

• Race, power and social construction

• Slavery, colonialism, empire and their ongoing legacies

• Birmingham’s migration history, contribution and resistance

• Leadership, voice and “passing the baton”

• Activism — from historical movements to civic action

• Oral history methods, ethics and use of equipment

Skills and Experience

Participants will gain hands-on experience in:

• Historical and archival research

• Oral history interviewing

• Storytelling

• Community engagement

• Values-based leadership

Who It’s For

The course is open to community members, students, activists, creatives and anyone interested in race, heritage and social justice.

Registration

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Further details, including confirmed March dates, will be announced soon.