Who Am I? Words of Resistance by Poetic Justice

Who Am I? Words of Resistance has grown out of the campaign against a horrific racist/Islamophobic attack in Kings Heath Birmingham. An elderly Muslim man who has lived there most of his life, and routinely walked to his local mosque for his daily prayers, was viciously attackedin 2023. The incident left the community in shock and anger. In response the antiracist campaign group KINGS HEATH UNITED AGAINST RACISM was formed and a conscious raising, community-building weekend event rallying together artists, performers and poets organised. For almost two years KHUAR has continued gathering support, specifically through their monthly Kalab Lounge events and Unity Weekenders. It was during planning these events that they came across a vibrant, passionate resistance group of spoken word poets. This set a fire to make use of their poems to tell the world who we are and that we are here to stay and fight racism. And so Poetic Justice was born…

Who Am I? Words of Resistance by Poetic Justice is a collection of poems from Birmingham's most outspoken writers, poets, and performers who have come together for the first time in one book. A chorus of diverse voices that speak to the current situation of genocide in Palestine, of migration stories, of identity and racism. They bear witness to both past and present struggles for justice.

We bring to you here poets from Birmingham and beyond. Laura Campbell a youth worker/teacher, Ricky Vintage a musician/performance poet, Ray VM and Jay Vincent bring the voices of critical local poets, Virginia Wairimu and Loraine Masiya Mponela present their rich experience as migrants from Africa. Mukhtar Dar, Ruchi Tandon and Iyma Atiq, our very own community activists, share their voice from the belly of the beast, as they navigate life under racist structures.

We are proud to also feature the words of our very own Poet Laureate for Birmingham, Ayan Aden. When asked how she felt about the title she said, “It is humbling to be chosen to represent the city that gave me so much, the city that has moulded me, I pray now that I am able to give back.” In this book she gives back. Her poem offers profound words that span across global, political and family issues.

We promise these spoken words will move and challenge you and bring to light the complexities of current times.

With illustrations by Rawand Gurun, an artist from Kurdistan. Forced to flee his homeland, he has been living in the UK for 4 years and currently lives in Coventry. During lockdown in Birmingham, while awaiting a decision on his refugee status, art helped Rawand express his feelings and the loneliness he felt.

The book is a collaboration between Kings Heath United Against Racism (KHUAR) & Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG), made possible thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund and BRIG’s Who Am I project.

An event with contributors, poets and representatives from KHUAR to distribute first copies took place at the BRIG Warehouse café on Sunday 19th January.  An official big launch will be held on April 13th at the café.

Copies of ‘Who Am I?  Words of Resistance by Poetic Justice’ are currently available at BRIG Café at the Warehouse.