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The First Black Brummies

Poet Sue Brown looks at what life was like in the postwar years for Birmingham’s Caribbean community as they asked questions about their own identity and place in British society.

Poet Sue Brown looks at what life was like in the postwar years for Birmingham’s Caribbean community. Sue, whose parents came to Britain in the 50s from Jamaica, meets people who remember and experienced the hostile environment that faced many of the early migrants. She explores her home city to discover the cultural significance of local black churches, music and the rise of Rastafarianism. She also meets legendary singer Jimmy Cliff to discuss his hit song Many Rivers to Cross. Cliff and others have written about the challenges faced by many early ‘settlers’. Sue recalls how migration literally divided families, including her own, and meant people lived thousands of miles apart.

59 minutes

Last on

Wed 3 Aug 2022 00:00

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Music Played

  • Desmond Dekker & the Aces

    You Can Get It If You Really Want

  • Jimmy Cliff

    Many Rivers To Cross

  • Millie

    My Boy Lollipop

  • Arvo Pärt

    Spiegel im Spiegel

  • Harry J. Allstars

    Liquidator

  • Bob Marley & The Wailers

    Exodus

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Sue Brown
Series Producer Diana Hare
Executive Producer Tony Parker

Broadcasts

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