Birmingham’s First Black Councillor, Bert Carless
Alderman Egbert 'Bert' Sylvester Carless OBE, made history when he was elected as Birmingham’s first Black councillor in 1979. He was elected a Labour member for Aston ward and served again in 1998-2002 for Ladywood ward.
Bert, as he is fondly remembered, migrated to Birmingham from Jamaica when he was 21 years-old where he was a diesel mechanic in a sugar plantation. On arrival in Birmingham he soon became a well-respected member of the community. It was the respect with which he was held given his community activism in helping the community, especially with the ongoing racism they experienced in housing, education, employment and from the Police that led him to becoming, with community support behind him, Birmingham’s first Black Councillor. The path he layed, the impact he made and the doors he opened allowed others from the Black community to follow in his footsteps. He served on the Council’s education committee for almost twenty years and was passionate about speaking out against discrimination.
Bert served on the Council’s education committee for nearly two decades, playing a key role in rebuilding Handsworth College as Chairman Handsworth Colleges Group following the Handsworth Uprisings in 1985.
His community work and civic leadership was recognised in 1998 with him being awarded the OBE.
Following Bert’s passing in 2003, Birmingham City Council named a road in his honour on 18th December 2022. “Bert Carless Way” is located within the new Perry Barr Residential scheme on the site of the former Birmingham City University Campus. At the road naming unveiling ceremony the then Cabinet member for Transport and Environment, Cllr. Waseem Zaffer was joined by Bishop Desmond Jadoo, a long time friend and Bert’s great niece, Maxine Tomlinson.
Cllr Zaffar said: “The Council had been looking for ways to honour Bert for some time, and my Cabinet colleagues and I were engaging with local community leaders like Dr Desmond Jaddoo on the most appropriate way to do this. However, when I was told that the Residential Scheme had an unnamed road not covered by the street naming competition it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
“Bert Carless was an inspirational, respected figure who made great strides in achieving more equality and diversity in our city. Therefore, to have Bert Carless Way in amongst Equality Road, Diversity Grove, and Inspire Avenue is an appropriate and fitting tribute.”
Maxine Tomlinson said: “We are pleased to have finally arrived at this point where my uncle, Uncle Carless, is being recognised by Birmingham as the first person of African-Caribbean descent to have served as Councillor and Alderman of the city.
“Cllr Carless served tirelessly within his Ward representing all, and he has a strong and lasting legacy in championing equalities as well as serving on a number of committees across the city.”
To honour Bert’s trailblaizing as the inspirational Chair of the Handsworth Colleges Group, his civic service and leadership the Birmingham Empowerment Forum, with South and City College Birmingham, The Windrush National Organisation and Nubian Jak Trust have teamed up to unveil a ‘Blue Plaque’ for Burt Carless at Handsworth College site. The Bert’s Blue Plaque will be available for public viewing from 16th December.