The Library of Birmingham is hosting a multi-media multi-arts civil rights travelling exhibition created by human rights education charity Journey to Justice: www.journeytojustice.org.uk

It tells little known stories of people who took action for rights and freedom during the US civil rights movement and in the UK.

As relevant today as ever, the exhibition also tells less told stories of struggles for human rights in the West Midlands. Birmingham has an extraordinary history of immigration and solidarity in the face of injustice. The exhibition will highlight local stories: the Sparkbrook Association, a community-led campaign for decent housing and playgroups and workers’ struggles for rights and decent conditions; the Supreme Quilting and Burnsall strikes, led by determined Asian women in Smethwick; the remarkable stories of trade union leader Will Thorne and Irish musician Luke Kelly, whose activism was shaped by their working lives here; and the visit of Malcolm X to Birmingham.

Journey to Justice has the support of local arts, education, interfaith, youth and community organisations. Look out for details of complementary events and opportunities.

We are delighted that Janice Kelsey who was involved with the Children’s March in Birmingham, Alabama 1963 and whose story is told in the exhibition will be here in Birmingham in early April.

Janice Kelsey was 14 when she joined the 1963 ‘Children’s March’ against racism in Birmingham, Alabama. Her story is one of many from the US civil rights movement told in the exhibition.

She is flying specially to Birmingham to be the main speaker at a celebration event on April 4th, the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s assassination. NTCG The Rock, George Street West, Springhill, Birmingham B18 7HF

You can see the exhibition at the Library of Birmingham, in the LOB Spotlight and Mezzanine Cafe, from February 11th – April 27th 2020.

For group bookings please email:[email protected]