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BIRMINGHAM
INDEPENDENCE DAY Activist Desmond Jaddoo talks politics PAGE 20
FOOTLOOSE Dancer has chance to shine PAGE 21
END OF AN ERA Anti-racism group calls it a day PAGE 27
EDITION
20 THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2012
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‘BIRMINGHAM MUST WAKE UP’ Political activist says the black community will be overlooked unless they start being heard
By Elizabeth Pears
DESMOND JADDOO is a man on a mission. After a long hiatus from community activism owing to poor health, the self-professed man of the people is ready to shake up Birmingham’s political scene. Jaddoo, whose parents are of Jamaican heritage, was hoping England’s second city would vote in favour of a directly-elected mayor and felt, as an independent, he was the right man for the job. But 57.8 percent of Birmingham voters rejected the plans. The decision, however, was made by just 28 percent of the electorate which, for Jaddoo, is part of a wider problem: a total lack of interest in politics. It means that decisions that affect people’s everyday lives are being made by a select group. With ethnic minorities traditionally suffering from low voter participation, their lack of voice could be placing them at a greater disadvantage. This is despite Birmingham being on track to become Britain’s second city, after Coventry, where so-called ethnic minorities will become the majority. “I was ill for ten years and sprung back up on the scene last year and I was shocked by what I saw,” said Jaddoo, who runs the Birmingham
Empowerment Forum, a political lobby group that aims to get people involved in politics. “Birmingham was ten years behind in terms of community activism and community spirit. Birmingham, in general, has gone from being a vibrant city to almost a quiet little hamlet. “People used to come up from London to Birmingham to go clubbing or to join in events. It makes me sad that Birmingham is spoken of more as an issue not as a destination.” There were protests when Birmingham City Council leader, Sir Albert Bore, elected his new cabinet and only one was from a black or ethnic minority (BME) background, but by then it was too late.
DIFFERENT The key, says Jaddoo, is to get involved earlier and explore a different approach to politics beyond the party system. “You can get into politics in this city without joining a political party. They are the ones putting people off. It is pathetic to see them arguing in the newspaper along party lines. Being an independent shows where your loyalties are. Mine is with the people – not a party.” The Birmingham Empowerment Forum has now launched the community activation and engagement programme to ensure this happens. He explains: “There is chronic
apathy in this city. West Indian don’t bother to vote or aren’t registered to vote. We are getting left behind as community. Getting involved in political decision-making shouldn’t be a choice anymore, it’s a must. “We are now facing a situation where one of the most diverse cities in England, where ethnic minorities are almost the majority, but the ruling cabinet does not reflect that. “It is so important to have the people who live the experiences to help make the decisions on things like inequality and discrimination. They are bestplaced to engage with their communities as opposed to observers who go in, try to understand, then go away and not do anything about it. “Not giving roles to ethnic minorities is a poor use of the resources you’ve got. You need that experience if you want to meaningfully deal with issues. The city council talks about diversity but it’s just lip service. It’s the same principle for the Asian community and the West Indian community they each have their own anxieties, but there are things that unite them.” Jaddoo, who cites one of Birmingham’s first black councillors, Bert Carliss, as one of his mentors said from his time visiting communities he found
INDEPENDENT: Activist Desmond Jaddoo said his loyalties lie with ordinary people not political parties
that unemployment and community safety were two of the biggest concerns. “A big issue is that most people have no idea who their local MP is – let alone their local councillor. Accountability has diminished”, he said. “I learned from Bert Carliss that the biggest lesson in accountability is to let people know who you are. He introduced himself by name, not by party, and asked people directly what their concerns were. People responded
PROTEST: Demonstrators picket outside Birmingham City Council after only one BME councillor was elected to a cabinet position
to that.” Jaddoo added: “We need to use our collective strengths to get people together, get information out to the community, support our existing councillors and inspire young people and get them into office. “We could have had many people in important positions, but we can’t be bothered. We sit back, moan and do nothing. Only when it builds up do we get mad about it and then it all blows over again.
“Why doesn’t our community use our free right to vote? We did not have to fight for it, die for it, face the water cannons or go to prison for it. Americans did have to fight for it, got murdered for it and they now have a black president – whether you agree with his politics or not.” To find out more about the Birmingham Empowerment Forum visit www.b-e-f.org.uk or contact Desmond Jaddoo via desjadoo@hotmail.co.uk
SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2012 THE VOICE 21
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DANCE OF A LIFETIME
ON THE MOVE: Rudi starred in a stunning dance segment choreographed by legend Akram Khan for the Olympic opening ceremony
By Poppy Brady
H
IS ROLE at the Olympics was not in any medal category but dancer Rudi Cole has struck gold following his appearance in Danny Boyle’s much-praised opening ceremony for London 2012. The 23-year-old beat off the competition to win a part in a prominent dance section of the ceremony in July created by leading choreographer Akram Khan. Khan, an iconic figure in the world of dance, spotted Cole’s talent and invited him to be part of his next production Vertical Road which will tour America next month before moving on to France. It’s the chance of a lifetime for Birmingham-born Cole who was forced to choose between a career as a professional water polo player or to pursue his passion for dance. Luckily for the dance world Cole chose the latter. As he admits he’s been dancing “since I could just about move” there really was no contest. His three minutes and 45 seconds in the spotlight during the Olympic opening ceremony was, he says, pretty unforgettable. The section featured 50 specially selected dancers accom-
panied by pop star Emeli Sandé singing the famous hymn Abide With Me. Khan’s interpretation brought a mesmerising stillness to the ceremony – a reminder of everyone’s mortality and the transfer of possibilities and hopes between generations. “The rehearsals were intense but an incredible experience,” says Cole, whose family lives in Handsworth. “I loved the Olympic theme of ‘inspiring a generation’. I think the ceremony underlined the importance of physical activity and showed it is not just about sport.” Cole has learned over the years that being a dancer is one of the toughest activities; not only do you have to be physically fit, but it must be combined with suppleness and stamina. “I think if I wasn’t a professional dancer I would like to be an osteopath – the study of performers’ bodies is fascinating as they are so fragile, yet so strong at the same time,” adds Cole who, at 6 feet 4 inches tall, cuts a striking figure in any performance. His first foray into the dance world took him to Birmingham’s Dance Xchange and ACE – the African Cultural Exchange – where its talented artistic director and choreographer Gail Parmel left a lasting impression
Birmingham dancer’s star is on the rise after a stunning performance at the on him. Olympic opening “Gail taught me the ‘H’ word - stay humble and ceremony keep your head down,” says Cole, who went to Holyhead School. He followed in Parmel’s steps and studied for a degree at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance at
Chapeltown, in Leeds. Since finishing his degree in 2009 he has never been out of
STRENGTH: Rudi shows off his skills in a recent production he starred in
BORN TO DO IT: 23-year-old Rudi said he has been dancing since he was first able to move
work, touring all over Europe on various projects with international dance troupes. Cole can barely contain his excitement at the prospect of taking part in the American 25day tour Vertical Road, which he knows will be “full on”. It starts in Los Angeles, finishing at the Lincoln Centre, New York. When he’s not on tour, Cole is back at the family home chilling out with his brothers Azizi and Xhosa, who are both accomplished musicians in their own right.
His parents both started out as social workers, where his mother still remains, and his dad, Clive, switched careers to become an accomplished storyteller and musician. “We all have a tremendous respect for my mum since she’s the only female in the house,” adds Cole. “And she’s up going swimming before she goes to work and cycling everywhere – she has great stamina.” It sounds like his mum is a fitness role model too.
22 THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2012
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS By Elizabeth Pears
A
GROUP of experts from a range of professions have come together to help forge new links between Birmingham’s Jamaican community and the police. The reference group was set up in anticipation of the influx of Jamaicans to the city ahead of the Olympic games and the Caribbean nation’s 50th independence celebrations, in August. Its purpose is to act as a gobetween for residents or visitors of Jamaican heritage and West Midlands Police. The two sides will meet regularly to share concerns and information, with the reference group able to influence key decisions. It is hoped the initiative will further increase awareness and understanding of policing within the Jamaican community. Birmingham has the one of the largest Jamaican populations in the country. Chairman Everton Burke said: “This is an opportunity to discuss a number things relating to community safety and community cohesion, but also wider issues about the Jamaican community and where we are now and where we want to get to in the future.
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BUILDING BRIDGES
A new group is hoping to forge new links between the community and West Midlands Police
STOP-AND-SEARCH “One of the things we want to see is stop-and-search figures for those of Jamaican heritage dropping to a level that one would consider to be proportionate. We also want to see stronger links between the
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BUSINESS TIME: Everton Burke is determined to make the Jamaican reference group a a success
police and community, and we are working really hard on the reference group to make that happen.” Though the Olympics is now over, the group will continue to work together to achieve their objectives. “We are in a period of calm in Birmingham right now between the community and the police things are going relatively well. “But we really need to start discussing strategies, making contacts and moving the community forward so that we are making a strong contribution to the running of this city,” said Burke. “Jamaicans have brought a rich sense of culture. There are many who are doing really good things but are invisible to the greater public and also to ourselves in the community. We need to make sure that good stories are coming out. “I have been talking to other people in the community positions of influence and the general consensus is that we need to get ourselves organised educationally, politically and economically. But the most important thing is to do it publicly. If they are not known about, then essentially they don’t exist. Our colleagues of different cultures are singing about their achievements and being heard. As a result, they are getting further
ahead.” Burke said he believed that Jamaicans were still not understood as a community. He added: “There is definitely some misreading of cultural behaviours on the part of the police. We are loud and make a lot of noise. We are passionate about our beliefs and what is understood to be a friendly argument on the inside, looks like ‘what’s going on here, eh?’ on the part of the police.” Burke, however, said it was a positive sign that the police wanted to have the conversation and should be applauded: “There will be those, however, who will say we don’t need more dialogue and will want to know exactly what will happen as a result of this group. I ask them to give us time. “It is also important to remember that the police are regular people – there will be those who embrace the culture of moving forward and some who want to continue policing as they always have done.” He added: “Our members are committed - and we are very strict about that – and have a lot of experience working in probation, police authorities, the community, within the church and we are confident things are going to take off.”
SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2012 THE VOICE 27
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LEGEND: Maxie Hayles at the centre of a protest in the early days of BRAMU
END OF AN ERA FOR ANTI-RACISM GROUP By Poppy Brady
MAXIE HAYLES, an embattled warhorse of countless campaigns against racism, is finally calling it a day by closing the group he founded 23 years ago. In a poignant and extraordinary meeting, volunteers and supporters watched as group chairman Hayles and two board members signed papers taking Birmingham Racial Attacks
Activist retires after 23 years of fighting for equality Monitoring Unit (BRAMU) off the register of companies at Companies House. It marks the end of an era for ordinary people of any ethnic origin who found themselves the victims of racist attacks. Those who didn’t know who to
turn to found support, guidance and friendship at BRAMU. Over the decades Hayles and his team have dealt with more than 30,00 inquiries and worked on more than 6,000 live cases from suspected deaths in custody to hate
DONE DEAL: Maxie Hayles signs papers with fellow board members Gordon Lyew (centre) and Ferlando Pennant
crimes. He’s survived death threats and attacks from the BNP, but bounced back denouncing the latest injustice ever more passionately. Perhaps the hardest battle of all has
been the financial one. In 2010 Birmingham City Council withdrew its £60,000 funding commitment as the recession began to bite.
ENOUGH “There comes a time when you have to say ‘enough is enough’ and I have to go through this procedure of officially winding up BRAMU,” said Hayles, who is in his mid-60s. “BRAMU has given me some sleepless nights and now it’s really time I retired. I cannot go on indefinitely and it is not fair on my family. “I will always be known as a former chairman and be more than happy to give strategic support, but I will no longer be leading BRAMU. As of tonight, BRAMU is dead.” He paid tribute to all the volunteers and in particular his colleague Doreen Osborne, saying: “Doreen is the reason BRAMU has survived this long and I don’t know what I would have done without her.” During the meeting, led by Dr Frank Reeves, some were keen for a voluntary group to be set up immediately in the wake of BRAMU’s closure, but Bishop Dr Joe Aldred advised a period of reflection like any time of mourning “to soak up the gravity of the situation”. But he warned that any potential new group should be
self-sustainable to avoid being dependant on the very organisations it is supposed to be holding to account. Sonia Webster, from Edgbaston, whose son Julian died in a Manchester bar after being restrained by security staff, spoke of Hayles’ unstinting support during the most traumatic time of her life. This was echoed by Inderbir Kaur, an ex-West Midlands Probation service employee who found herself at the heart of a racism case. “Seeking justice is much harder than being the victim of racism, but Maxie supported me throughout,” she said. Over the decades Hayles, who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Reverend Jesse Jackson in 2008 for his outstanding work defending human rights and race equality, and who also received an award from Tony Blair, has taken BRAMU’s campaigns across the globe to Geneva and South Africa. But now it’s time for someone else to take up the cudgels. Community activist Desmond Jaddoo, who joined everyone in an official vote of thanks to Hayles, said: “Maxie has done the right thing and I am prepared to pick up where Maxie has left off. “But we live in a hostile society – the rest of the community needs to step up politically and take up the civic duty expected of us – there needs to be less talk and more action.”
28 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 6-12, 2012
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SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2012 THE VOICE 29
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LIFE AND SOUL
I
N 1980 a group of approximately a dozen activists founded what is now the Afro-Caribbean Millennium Centre (ACMC), in Dudley Road. It was a safe haven where members of Birmingham’s thriving Caribbean community could get together and socialise. Three decades later it is still going strong, growing from a four derelict shops to an impressive three-storey building that opened in 2004. It houses community radio station New Style, offers exercise classes for pensioners and is an education ELIZABETH resource. PEARS talks to director Jonathan Dawson who has been at the centre of the
action from the beginning. He is currently working on his memoirs.
What led to the founding of the ACMC? There was a growing population of Caribbean migrants coming to Birmingham who needed help adjusting to their new life. We understood them a bit more [than the council] so we set up somewhere they could go. We were a voice; someone to speak for them. We started in
a few ramshackle shops that we rented from the city council and did some repairs on it. There were quite a few of us – most have passed away or moved to Canada, the USA or have gone back to Jamaica.
How does it feel that the organisation has been around for so long? It makes me feel proud when I think of all the people that came here and used this place to start their education. We have genuinely helped people whether it is history lessons or I T
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LEGEND: Jonathan Dawson is one of the founding members of the ACMC
“
You don’t just sit around and wait for things to come to you. If today’s generation had that mentality, they would not have any problems
”
training. I have so many good memories here. My favourite time is when the guys got together and had a few drinks… What do you do when you’re not at the centre? I’m at home on my computer doing a bit of writing or I go to the library. I love the internet! It is great for research and for finding out about history. I was on it the other day reading about the history of banana and where it originated. Very interesting. What made you want to write a book?
INSPIRATION: Dawson said the teachings of Jamaica national hero Marcus Garvey spurred him on to get educated
I would like to leave it as a legacy for other people. I want people to see that a person is not just one thing, but many things. I am more than what you see here and now. I am going to write about my childhood in Jamaica, and then what I did when I move here. What was Jamaica like? Jamaica was hard work. We all had to work hard. You don’t just sit around and wait for things to come to you. If today’s generation had that mentality, they would not have any problems. Life is easier now. If you want it, you can get it. There are so many opportunities to educate yourself and pick up skills. Our parents always talked about the value of having a skill. If you’re no good at academic work, nothing is stopping you from getting a valuable skill. With that under your belt, you can get a job anywhere in the world; you will never go hungry. What are your skills? I trained as a tailor in Jamaica and that was what I did until I left
at the age of 23. I came straight to Birmingham because my brother was here. It wasn’t that welcoming. Thank you very much, Enoch Powell. You couldn’t get a room to rent. You had to depend on friends. If a black person had a place there were people everywhere. Everybody was there. If there was a chair to sit on, someone would sleep on it. It sounds like there was a great community spirit back then? There was. When it came to Sundays, that was letter day. I was in a group that were my father’s age and I was the youngest. Some of them had little or no education, so I would write their letters for them or read a letter to them. What kept you motivated through the hard times? I am passionate about education. I started reading about Marcus Garvey – he is one of my favourites – and he said you must get education wherever you can get it from. Educate yourself. Improve yourself. That’s what spurred me on.
30 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 6-12, 2012
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