MX60 and the 1964 : Making History project

Throughout 2024, we worked with local young people to examine the significance of Malcolm X’s visit to Smethwick in February 1965. Through a series of arts-based workshops led by art researcher Jagdish Patel and historian Savita Vjie, participants explored the historical, cultural, and political context of the visit. The workshops culminated in a public exhibition hosted at the Centre. Alongside this programme, we collaborated with a range of organisations, campaigns, and community members to assess the continuing legacy and contemporary relevance of Malcolm X’s time in Smethwick.

The Workshops

In 2024 we stepped into the archives of the Indian Workers Association (IWA) over 12 workshops.

From storytelling of the historical climate in which the organisation emerged, including anti-imperial and anticolonial activism, to the forming of antiracist organisations and alliances in the UK, which would lead to race activists Claudia Jones collaborating and Malcolm X visiting.

We dig into why the IWA gathered in homes, took to the streets and agitated in their workplaces. What did they do, and how did they do it? Materials will be collectively explored through conversations, written forms, audio-visuals and movement.

The Exhibition

Over the past few months, we have been working in close partnership with local young people to explore this history and its continuing relevance. Through hands-on history lessons, archival research and creative activities, they learnt about the events of 1964/65, the work of the Indian Workers Association, and their contribution to the history of fighting racism and cultural and community work. The participants have been making artwork towards a final exhibition by developing knowledge and creative skills.

This exhibition showcases some of their work. The participants in the exhibition are

Alina Stennett-Mirza

Aryan Mann

Ashwin Patel

Charan Kaur

Chih Ning Ou

Iman Khalil Mohammed

Krishan Patel

Mariyah Ali

Xi'an Loves

This project was developed by the Shaheed Udham Singh Welfare Centre. Handsworth with the support of the University of Warwick.

Other MX60 Events

  • A Letter to an Activist

    Wednesday 26 February 2025

    17:30  18:30

    BRIG Cafe54-57 Allison Street Birmingham B5 5THBirmingham, B5 5TH 

    Commemorating Malcolm X's visit to Birmingham 60 years ago and his commitment to activists working together we are holding a special Connections Event!

    Young people from across different organisations and walks of life working with racial and social justice issues are invited to come and share some thoughts about Malcolm X and meet one another.

    BRIG will facilitate writing a tribute letter and host a speed-connecting event.

  • Remembering Malcom X

    Friday 21 February 2025

    18:00 21:00

    Shaheed Udham Singh Welfare Centre346 Soho Road Handsworth Birmingham, B21 9QL

    On the 60th Anniversary of his assassination, we gather to remember and pay tribute to Malcolm X at the Shaheed Udham Singh Welfare Centre as part of the MX60 Season. This marked the 60th anniversary of his visit to Smethwick on 12th February 1965 and his passing nine days later.

    Malcolm X was invited by the Indian Workers Association to witness the unfolding apartheid in Smethwick, fuelled by Peter Griffiths openly racist campaign resulting in his 1964 general election victory. Griffiths campaign was rooted in whipping up the fear on Black and Asian immigration, which has continued ever since, as witnessed by the racist pogroms last summer against Black, Asian, Refuges and Asylum Seekers.

    Malcolm’s visit was a show of international Black liberation unity and solidarity connecting the dots of global racist imperialism, be it in Soweto, Alabama or Smethwick.

    The lessons of past struggles forged in unity against attacks from racist, fascist and far right in forming broad alliances in defending our communities are once again being called upon.

    What are the lessons from Malcolm X’s life and legacy as a community organiser, disruptor, unifier, and unrelenting consciousness of the Black community, can we draw upon collectively locally, nationally and internationally?

    “Remembering Malcolm X” includes:

    - IWA (GB) – Salute to Malcolm X- Poetry for Malcolm X- Malcolm’s Legacy- Screening of Malcolm X: A Day in Smethwick (Steve Page)- Panel Q&A - IWA (GB), MX60 Collective, Steve Page.- Life, Lessons and Legacy – Open Mic

    We have limited places, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

    This event is organised by the Indian Works Association(GB) Birmingham and supported by MX60 Collective and DesiBlitz.

  • Whose City Is it? An intergenerational conversation about racial inequality in Birmingham

    Join us for a powerful evening of conversation & testimony as we bring together different generations from Birmingham's diverse communities to discuss racial inequalities, social justice, community and the future of the city. This event offers a unique platform for people from minoritised backgrounds to share their stories and perspectives, allowing for deep conversations surrounding race, belonging, and identity in Birmingham.

    Curated by journalist and author Gary Younge in collaboration with Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG), BRAP, Warwick University, Punch Records and University of Manchester CODE (Centre on Dynamics of Ethnicity) and supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

    The event will feature an inspiring panel of speakers, each bringing their unique insights and lived experiences to the conversation. Together, we will explore Birmingham’s journey, its intersection with race, and the power of community storytelling.

    Panel Speakers:

    Cheryl Garvey – Consultant and Facilitator (Works with BRAP, Shakti Women and Director of Talk, Listen, Create)

    John Narayan – Academic (Senior Lecturer in European and International Studies)

    Mukhtar Dar – Artist and activist amplifying marginalized voices (Works with Simmer Down Festival and Co-Director of Kalaboration Arts)

    Ayan Aden – Spoken word artist and activist (Birmingham's current Poet Laurette)

    Danielle Guthrie - Co-Founder and Director of In.Society

    This is more than a discussion; it’s an opportunity to:

    Engage in meaningful dialogue with individuals across generations.

    Reflect on how race shapes the stories and structures of Birmingham.

    Celebrate the voices and experiences of Minority Communities.

    Aswell as food provided for attendees

    Whether you’re a lifelong resident, new to the city, or simply passionate about social justice, this event is for you. Let’s come together to ask, “Whose city is it anyway?”—and envision a shared future built on equity and understanding.

    This dialogue is part of BRIG’s Malcolm X Day campaign.

  • Sandwell Archives Open Day : Malcolm X in Smethwick

    Wednesday 12 February 2025

    11:00 13:00

    Sandwell Archives, Smethwick LibrarySmethwickB66 1AA

  • “A street of mistrust and fear”: Malcolm X in Smethwick

    2025 marks sixty years since Malcolm X – revolutionary, Muslim minister, African American human rights activist – visited Marshall Street in the Black Country town of Smethwick. He was invited by local anti-racist campaigners in response to a proposed segregation scheme for the street, which built on years of prejudice and discrimination in “the most racist town in Britain.” This study day brings together experts on Smethwick, the politics of race and racism in post-war Britain, and on Malcolm X to provide the context for his visit and to better understand the important place this event holds in Black Country, British and global history.

    Speakers

    Jagwant Johal (Birmingham Race Impact Group) - MX60: life, legacy, lessons

    Dawn Carr and Garry Stewart (Black Heritage Walks Network) - The settlement of people of colour in the 1960s

    Dr Marc Collinson (University of Bangor) - The Road to Smethwick's 1964 contest: activism, candidates, and elections

    Jagdish Patel (Coventry University) and Savita Vij (University of Birmingham) and Krishan Patel (student) - 1964: Making History – reflections on arts, heritage and the archive

    Stephen Page (filmmaker) - Screening of Malcolm X: A Day in Smethwick (2005) with Q&A

    Dr Martin Glynn (Birmingham City University). - Noir Birmingham

    Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley DY1 4AL

  • MX60 National Convention: Legacies and Lessons of Anti-Racism and Community

    oin us for the MX60 National Convention, a vital gathering for activists, community builders, and artists to reflect on the legacies of anti-racism and community building in the UK. This event marks the 60th Anniversary of Malcolm X's visit to Smethwick, where he witnessed the impact of racial prejudice and reinforced the global struggle against racism.

    As Britain faces rising racial violence and persistent myths surrounding immigration, this convention aims to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds to confront hatred and foster understanding. We will explore the lessons learned over the past six decades in tackling racism and building progressive communities.

    Key Highlights:

    Engage with influential speakers, including:

    Chetan Bhatt (LSE Human Rights)

    Gus John (Campaigner for Equity and Human Rights)

    Lila Tamea (Activist and Educator)

    Mukhtar Dar (Cultural Activist)

    Paul Gilroy (Theorist of Race and Racism)

    Participate in workshops focused on developing local strategies for anti-racist activism.

    Network with Southall, Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester, Bradford, and Middlesbrough community organisations.