Handsworth, West Midlands

Handsworth is a suburb of Birmingham in the West Midlands, England.

Civil unrest

Although these groups contributed to the local economy, they have suffered much racism and in Handsworth the problems and discontentment escalated in September 1985 (an earler riot took place in 1981). As in many parts of Britain, the conflict between black people in Birmingham and the police was a long-standing one. Blanket raids on black meeting places and a "stop and search" policy increased the tension between the police and the black community.

Related Topics:
Racism - Black people - Stop and search

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Many of these problems were focused upon attempts by media regulators continually trying to crush the "free radio" (pirate radio) station PCRL. This Handsworth station specifically catered to the West Indian population and gave voice to discontent. But the station also has a long and continuing history of attempting to provide not only a media outlet for alternative points of view, but it supported a cottage industry of self-help programs. PCRL carried programs that attempted to focus US media attention on the problems faced by PCRL and the West Indian community in Handsworth.

Related Topics:
Pirate radio - PCRL

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After the Handsworth riots caused a huge publicity shock to world perception of British toleration, the heavy handed approach on the community was slackened, although a weakened PCRL remained unlicensed. Local government was forced into building new community relations as a way of managing both racial and cultural differences. Encouragement was provided by arts organisation like West Midlands Ethnic Minority Arts Service and private groups such as Shades of Black, which works closely with the community and is still going strong today.

Related Topics:
Handsworth riots - West Midlands Ethnic Minority Arts Service - Shades of Black

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