Commonwealth Stories

Welcome to the Commonwealth Stories podcast by Birmingham Live.As the 2022 Commonwealth Games arrive in Birmingham this summer, Birmingham Live will be celebrating the city's diversity, its vibrant cultures, and incredible communities - not to mention the spectacular sporting events we will no doubt witness. But we felt there were some questions that weren't being asked about the Commonwealth, and its roots in the British Empire. And this is the time and place to ask them. So we created this podcast Commonwealth Stories to do just that.So what does the Commonwealth mean to us now? How has it shaped the Birmingham we know today? And what lasting legacy do we hope the Games coming to the city of Birmingham will leave?Commonwealth Stories speaks to people from a host of nations, from Africa to Asia, from North America to the Caribbean. You’ll hear the stories and thoughts of people from all walks of life, from gold medal winning athletes to local business owners, from artists to care workers… All with one thing in common - they have all found a home in Birmingham.Join us as we ask - what does the Commonwealth mean to modern Brummies?Commonwealth Stories is a Laudable productionWritten and hosted by Nathan Clarke, Aida Fofana, Anisah Vasta and Matt MillardProduced, edited and narrated by Matt MillardTitle music by KIOKO

Episodes

A Lasting Legacy and the Need for Dialogue

July 20, 2022 • 58 mins

Throughout this series, we’ve heard from people from across Birmingham who have shared their thoughts, feelings and concerns around the Commonwealth. In our final episode, we will be looking to the future and asking what legacy we’d like to see the Games leave on the city.Poet and presenter Sue Brown and researcher and educator Judith Bruce-Golding, tell us about their hopes for more open and honest conversations around what it mea...

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How Common is the Wealth in the Commonwealth?

July 13, 2022 • 51 mins

Thousands of Commonwealth citizens arrived in the UK with hopes for a better life and greater prosperity - this was the Common-wealth, a land in which the riches were to be shared commonly amongst all citizens. But for many, these promises did not materialise. Even today, opportunities are limited as a result of race and class. In this episode we’ll be asking - how common is the wealth in the commonwealth? And what does this mean f...

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Going Against the Cultural Grain

July 6, 2022 • 61 mins

In this episode we’ll be hearing from gold medal winning former Team England netball captain and Commonwealth Games board member Ama Agbeze about how she succeeded in the world of sport, despite her family’s concerns for her chosen career path. She also discusses her hopes for what the 2022 Commonwealth Games will bring to the city and why we should all be excited. We also talk to ex BBC Africa journalist and Migrant Voice ambassad...

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Settling In The Second City

June 29, 2022 • 48 mins

Settling in a new country is a daunting task - new migrants must quickly adjust to a new culture, new language, new people and a new way of life. In this episode, Shenaz Petkar and Tameka Beckford share their experiences of settling in the second city. We also speak with Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, senior lecturer in media and culture at Birmingham City University. She discusses the British Empire’s impact on the development of Commonwea...

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The Transformative Power of The Arts

June 22, 2022 • 51 mins

In this episode we will be taking a deep dive into how the Commonwealth has influenced art and culture, and how art has the power to initiate conversation and positive change.We will be speaking to the 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s baton designer and Midlands based artist Laura Nyahuye, about the work behind the Baton project and how her Zimbabwean heritage influenced the design.We’ll also be talking to Louise Lansdown, who was b...

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The Incredible Women Paving The Way for South Asian Women in Sport

June 15, 2022 • 42 mins

In this episode of the Commonwealth Stories podcast, we’ll be speaking to the inspirational women who have paved the way in making sport accessible to all.You’ll hear from Bangladeshi cycling coordinator Meena Bibi. We’ll also be speaking with cricket coach and umpire Salma-Bi, who was the first British Muslim woman to play county cricket and was also one of the sports first ever South Asian female umpires. Commonwealth Stories is ...

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How Has The Commonwealth Shaped Birmingham?

June 8, 2022 • 57 mins

In this episode we’ll be beginning to take a look at how the Commonwealth has shaped the Birmingham we know today - A city known for its vibrant cultures and diverse communities. You’ll hear from Senior Lecturer and course leader for Black Studies at Birmingham City University Tony Talburt.We’ll also be speaking to Geoff Thompson, a five time karate world champion and Deputy Chair of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.You’ll a...

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The Land of Milk and Honey

June 8, 2022 • 50 mins

In this episode you’ll hear from legendary photographer, artist and activist Dr Pogus Caesar and history teacher and Black Heritage Walks organiser Marcia Dunkley; they reflect on their upbringings as children of the Commonwealth from the Caribbean.We also speak with PHD international student and award winning campaigner from Punjab, Jaspreet Signg.Our guests tell their personal stories, discuss the importance of reflection and sha...

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