wolverhampton
Wolverhampton
WV1 1DU
United Kingdom
Aged 16–22? Curious about history, culture and real stories?
JOIN BLACK COUNTRY ROOTS AND REALITIES
We’re looking for young people to take part in a hands-on heritage project where you learn the skills to uncover, record and protect the stories that shape our communities.
No experience needed. Just curiosity, commitment and an interest in learning something new.
What you’ll do
- Expand your knowledge, skills and confidence
- Explore African, Caribbean, mixed heritage and migration histories
- Plan and carry out oral history interviews
- Help preserve Black Country stories, memories and personal heritage for the future
- Speak with family, friends and community members about their lived experiences
- Attend fortnightly Saturday sessions in Wolverhampton for 12 months
- Celebrate and share community histories across generations.
What you’ll get
- Oral history and interview training
- Confidence, communication and leadership skills
- Useful CV experience for education, creative work and future careers
- Excursions and lunch during heritage sessions
- Opportunities for positive networks, new friendships and memories
- The chance to leave a legacy and preserve history.
Participants should ideally live in, or near the Black Country, West Midlands, England and have an interest in African and Caribbean heritage and culture.
Interested in joining the project?
Register your interest / Apply here
Age: 16–22
When: Saturday sessions (March 2026 – February 2027)
Where: Wolverhampton
Cost: Free to take part
Support: Training and mentoring provided
Contact us and select Black Country Roots and Realities to request more details
Keen to share your story?
Black Country Roots and Realities Registration - Genesis Sun
Impact on young people involved
- Gain practical skills in interviewing, research, storytelling and digital recording
- Build confidence, communication skills and leadership experience
- Strengthen their sense of identity, belonging and pride
- Develop transferable skills that support education, employment and future pathways
Impact on the wider community
- Strengthen connections by bringing different generations together
- Make under-represented histories visible and valued
- Create accessible heritage resources for schools and community groups
- Support greater understanding, inclusion and community cohesion
What remains after the project ends
Black Country Roots and Realities is designed to leave a lasting legacy.
- All interviews and materials will be deposited with Wolverhampton City Archives for long-term preservation and remain accessible for future generations
- Learning resources created during the project will be free for schools and community organisations to use
- There will be a deeper local understanding of African, Caribbean and mixed heritage histories in the Black Country
- Young participants will act as ambassadors, sharing skills and knowledge beyond the project
