An interactive discussion exploring racial injustice, the British legal system and local history through the real-life story of Oswald Grey

Join us at The GAP for an interactive Community Conversation with writer Jon Berry exploring forgotten local history, capital punishment and racial injustices within the British legal system through the real-life story of Oswald Augustus Grey.

Oswald came to England from Jamaica aged 18 in 1960, and lived on Cannon Hill Road in Balsall Heath. Two years later he became the last man to be hanged in Birmingham and the last Black man to be executed in Britain. This is a tale of hasty injustice and deep-seated prejudice that is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago.

• Through audio, images and storytelling, local writer Jon Berry will take us on a journey through Oswald’s life and untimely death, as carefully researched for his latest book Who Killed Oswald Grey? Race, the law, and the last Black man hanged in Britain
• Interactive elements will include reviewing evidence sheets to make your case, reading excerpts from a theatre script that dramatises Oswald’s trial, and community conversations around the importance of this story today
• These presentations, discussions and activities will take place between 4 – 6pm, with open unstructured space to chat and connect between 6 – 7pm.
• All welcome. Whilst this is a heavy topic, we intend to create this event as a warm and gentle space for reflection that centres on building connections, solidarity and knowledge within the community
• Light refreshments will be provided by Sam’s Vegan Delights