Seeking the Pioneers: Routes of Resistance
Press Release
Seeking the Pioneers: Routes of Resistance – Birmingham’s Untold Legacy of Activism
New exhibition explores 80 years of solidarity and the fight for racial justice
“We are here because you were there.” — A. Sivanandan
Birmingham, 6 October 2025 – After two years of planning and dedication, the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) is proud to unveil Seeking the Pioneers: Routes of Resistance, a landmark exhibition opening at the Library of Birmingham on 6 October 2025.
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this powerful exhibition celebrates Birmingham’s pivotal role in the fight for racial justice. Through striking portraits, testimonies, and archival material, the showcase tells the stories of 100 individuals and groups who have challenged racism — and continue to do so — from the 1940s to the present day.
At BRIG, the goal has been to honour Birmingham’s pioneering activists and to inspire the next generation to continue the struggle against racism. By amplifying these voices, the project ensures that their legacy lives on, empowering future changemakers and shaping the city’s ambition to become an anti-racist Birmingham by 2035.
Curated by cultural activist, artist, and archivist Mukhtar Dar, with photography by Johnathan Williams and Paul McKenzie, Seeking the Pioneers reveals the journeys of those who have placed Birmingham and the West Midlands at the heart of the UK’s anti-racist movement.
“These stories are etched in acts of defiance. Now more than ever, with street racism on the rise and the threat posed by the far right, these pioneers stand as examples of courage, vision, and hope. Their journeys continue to shape our future and remind us that resistance takes many forms.” — Mukhtar Dar, Exhibition Curator
“At times, we’ve had difficult conversations, as pioneers shared painful realities of overcoming racism. Yet their resilience continues to inspire and sustain us. This exhibition is part of our commitment to making Birmingham an anti-racist city by 2035.” — Ranjit Sondhi, Chair, BRIG
BRIG would like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its generous support, as well as the artists, creatives, and community members who helped bring this project to life. Most importantly, we thank the remarkable men and women of Birmingham who shared their time and stories, allowing us to preserve and showcase their powerful experiences of activism and anti-racism.
Exhibition Details
Dates: 6 October – November 2025
Location: Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND
Admission: Free entry
Visitors can scan QR codes by each portrait to discover more about the pioneers.
About BRIG
The Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) is a consortium of activists and academics promoting racial justice in Birmingham. Formed in response to inequalities exposed by COVID-19 and the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement, BRIG documents the contributions of Black, Asian, and Global Majority campaigners over the last 80 years and supports the next generation of activists. More information: www.wearebrig.co.uk.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the UK’s largest funder for heritage, supporting projects that connect people and communities to the past. Guided by its strategic plan, Heritage 2033, the Fund will invest £3.6 billion over the next 10 years to ensure heritage is valued, cared for, and sustained for future generations. Learn more at heritagefund.org.uk. Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund.
For media enquiries, interviews, and more about Seeking the Pioneers, please contact:
Ruchi Tandon – ruchitandy@hotmail.com | 07786 727182