BRIG Return to Soho House: Annual General Meeting
On the evening of 26th June, Birmingham Race Impact Group returned to the Soho House Museum to host its first-ever Annual General Meeting. It was an opportunity for us to reflect on BRIG’s achievements, and progress during our relatively short time, and to consider our priorities over the next year. This is whilst calling on our key institutions, such as the City Council, to renew their commitment to promote racial equity and equality in the City.
With an open invitation sent out, we were excited to see so many faces in the room who have been with us along the journey and have added such valuable insights. It was important for us to share this moment as we feel this wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of individuals and organisations who share the same values and drive for change.
Ranjit Sondhi, our Chair, opened the meeting with a powerful speech. He encapsulated the sheer amount of work we have undertaken, whilst reminding us of the work yet to be done. He highlighted the importance of reflecting on what came before us and using that knowledge to pass the baton on to the next generation to continue to create our ideal world- an anti-racist city. Ranjit also quoted from the Secretary’s report to give an overview of the projects, summits, and sub-groups that have been formulated to provide more statistical insight into the direction BRIG is taking to make a more focused impact. He ended with his acknowledgments for all those who have supported BRIG from its inception to now.
Going through the usual requirements of an AGM, we heard from our accountant, Nick, who shared our financial successes to allow for a transparent understanding of where we are at. We also heard from Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, who gave a passionate piece about the work that they are doing towards racial equality and his gratitude for their involvement with BRIG.
We were delighted to announce the newly-elected board, who will share their skills, knowledge, and passion to drive the movement forward. Ranjit Sondhi (Chair), Siobhan Harper-Nunes (Vice Chair), Kimberleigh Logan (Secretary), and Mohammed Hussain (Treasurer) were elected, alongside a solid board of 15. A few of our new board members gave us a short introduction on who they are and why they joined the board, a lovely close to the announcement.
An unforgettable mention goes to Ayan Eden: an award-winning spoken word artist who opened and closed the AGM with her powerful poetry. It transformed the meeting into a beautiful moment of self-reflection and the perfect way to end the evening.
The BRIG movement is not only an organisation that has everyone’s best interest at heart, but it is also the result of a collapsing society and we are the black hole that challenges all theories of societal norms. We are at the centre of justice, from all angles and it is our mission to create a universe in which righteous and equitable standards exist.
If you would like a more in-depth look into our Annual General Meeting, you can find our report here:
