KIngs Health Unity Weekender
Kings Health United Against Racism presents: the Unity Weekender Festival 12 - 14 May in response to racist attack
On Wednesday 29 March, at around 11 pm, a 73-year-old man was brutally attacked and subjected to Islamophobic abuse by three racist thugs while walking along York Rd, Kings Heath on his way home from a local mosque after Ramadan prayers. His head was smashed against a display board, and he was rushed to the hospital with cuts and bruises to his face and a broken hand. Two 16-year-olds have been arrested by West Midlands Police on suspicion of assault in connection with the attack.
This attack follows an attack on another elderly Muslim man who was set on fire while walking home from another Birmingham Mosque on March 20. These attacks stem from the demonisation of Muslims, migrants, refugees and other minority groups by much of the media and many politicians, of whom the constant racist vitriol poured out by Home Secretary, Suella Braverman is just one example.
Members of Kings Heath's diverse community, including anti-racist activists and local venue owners have come together under the banner of Kings Heath United Against Racism to ensure racist Islamophobic attacks don't go unchallenged and to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the area and raise awareness of Islamophobia and racism.
A weekender festival is planned to take place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 May across a number of venues in Kings Heath which include The Fletchers Bar, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Hare & Hounds, The Juke, The Station and the How Brave Is The Wren Bookshop. The Weekender programme consists of live music, DJs, spoken word, storytelling, arts and crafts workshops, mural painting and discussions.
Community Response:
“The physical scars will heal much faster than the emotional trauma. For the last 40 years, my father has always walked to the Mosque, and we never imagined this could happen in our area. The local community's love, support and solidarity have helped us to heal the wounds and speak volumes of our unity and shared humanity”.
Daughter of the 73-year-old man
“As a racist Islamophobic attack it could have been anyone of our parents on that fateful evening, as such, this is an issue not just for every Muslim but all justice- loving people irrespective of race, religion and ethnicity. Kings Heath is a wonderfully diverse inclusive neighbourhood in which hate has no place”.
Mukhtar Dar – local resident
“You can’t brush this under the carpet when it happens on your doorstep. As one of the participating venues, the diverse programme of curated music and spoken word events across the different venues is a wonderful act of solidarity which will entertain, challenge and celebrate our diversity and shared values”.
Brett Rehing – Owner of Fletchers & Kitchen Garden Café
“This Islamophobic attack took place in a hostile toxic racist environment which is being ramped up by the Tory government to divide communities and blames all society’s ills including the cost of living crisis on minority groups and refugees. SUTR supports the Weekender Against Racism to celebrate our diverse communities and stand up to state and street racism and fascism”.
Tracey Abrahams – Stand Up To Racism
“In a cynical divide-and-conquer strategy, while ordinary working people struggle to feed their families, the government repeatedly scapegoat Muslim men, migrants and the LGBTQ+ community. Racism and fascism offer no solutions to the threats facing our communities and must be opposed. There is no place for fascism, or for racist street violence, in 21st century Britain”.
Dave – Birmingham Antifascist
UNITY WEEKENDER 12-14 MAY
Please join us in taking a stand against racism and Islamophobia and supporting the Weekender by attending the events and bringing your friends and families. Please see the full Weekender programme of events and activities.
WEEKENDER PROGRAMME
FRIDAY 12 MAY
Neighborhood Sounds
The Juke: 16 York Rd, B14 7RZ
4 – 11:30 pm: Free entry (Donations Welcome)
Local DJs come together to present an eclectic uplifting unity mix.
Family Storytelling Celebrating Community
How Brave Is The Wren Bookshop: 4 York Rd, B14 7RZ
6 -7 pm: Free entr
Storytelling from Graham Langley & friends for a family audience.
The Specials Ltd
Hare & Hounds: 106 High St, B14 7JZ
8 – 2 am: £15 adv MOTD
Tribute to the 2-tone punk, ska and reggae anti-racist legends.
Friendly Fire Band & Friends
Fletchers Bar: 7 York Rd, B14 7SA
9 – 1 am: Free Entry
Birmingham’s reggae warriors in peace, love & unity party vibe.
SATURDAY 13 MAY
Blues Club Special
Hare & Hounds: 106 High St, B14 7JZ
3 – 7 pm: Free entry
South Birmingham guitarist Steve Ajao & friends.
DJs United Against Racism
Fletchers Bar: 7 York Rd, B14 7SA
9 – 1 am: Free Entry
Hip-hop, soul, funk, disco and reggae party vibes with DJs & live percussion.
Birmingham United Sounds
The Station: 7 High St, B14 7BB
2 - 9 pm: Outside garden, 9 - 2 am: Free Entry + Donations welcome DJs Jonnie Greaves, Dani Dub-Dub, Comrade T, and Robidon (Jam Jah).
SUNDAY 14 May
The Joe Masterton Trio with Tilley Clark
The Station:7 High St, B14 7BB 2 – 4 pm: Free Entry
Poetic Justice Against Racism
Kitchen Garden Café: 17 York Rd, B14 7SA
5 – 7 pm: Free Entry:
Outspoken words from guest poets and open mic.
Musicians Against Racism
Fletchers Bar: 7 York Rd, B14 7SA
7 – 11 pm: Free Entry
Banner Theatre, Basil Gabiddon, Dalbir Singh (tabla) Khaliq Hameed.
Drop in Arts Activity
Artisan Market York Rd, B14 7SA
12 – 4 pm: Free
Join artists from Artivistas to create mini banners – materials provided.
For more information
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KingsHeathUnity
Email: kingsheathunitedagainstracism@gmail.com