“These stories are etched in acts of defiance."
A major new exhibition celebrating Birmingham’s role in the fight for racial justice will open at the Library of Birmingham on October 6, 2025.
Seeking the Pioneers: Routes of Resistance will tell the stories of 100 individuals and groups who have challenged racism from the 1940s to the present day.
The exhibition is created by the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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 is documenting the contributions of Black, Asian, and Global Majority campaigners over the last 80 years and supporting the next generation of activists.
Building on the success of last year’s debut at the BRIG Café during Black History Month, the showcase will highlight Birmingham’s long history of activism and the city’s ongoing commitment to becoming an anti-racist city.
It will present stories of defiance and resilience, exploring how individuals and communities have confronted discrimination over decades.
Through portraits and testimonies, Seeking the Pioneers will shine a light on activists, academics, artists, trade unionists, scientists and others.
The exhibition connects these voices to broader global struggles against racism, reminding audiences that local activism in Birmingham is part of a much wider movement.
Curated by cultural activist, artist and archivist Mukhtar Dar, with photography by Johnathan Williams and Paul McKenzie, the exhibition will explore the inner journeys of those who helped shape Birmingham’s place in the UK’s anti-racist movement.
Visitors will encounter striking imagery alongside personal testimonies that illustrate the emotional and political weight of resistance.
Mukhtar Dar said: “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.”
Ranjit Sondhi, Chair of BRIG, added: “At times, we’ve had difficult conversations, as pioneers shared painful personal realities they’ve faced 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.”
The free-to-enter exhibition will run at the Library of Birmingham foyer in Centenary Square until November 2025.
Visitors will also be able to scan QR codes placed around the portraits to learn more about each pioneer’s story.
DESIblitz has been a supportive partner of BRIG and has been integral via Aidem Digital in helping to develop and launch the website associated with this exceptional project – Beyond Racism.
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