University News Last updated 15 November 2018
The founder of Cadbury, actress Dame Julie Walters and activist Malala Yousafzai have been voted as some of the most inspirational Brummies, following a public vote in celebration of Birmingham City University’s 175 years at the heart of Birmingham life.
After more than 1,500 votes from the public, an initial long-list of 175 ‘Brummies Who Inspire’ has been whittled down to ten, with musicians Ozzy Osbourne and Duran Duran’s John Taylor making the final list alongside ‘Lord of the Rings’ author J. R. R. Tolkien.
Completing the list of ten are Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis OBE, philosopher and chemist Joseph Priestley, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah and historian Carl Chinn.
The ten ‘Brummies Who Inspire’ will be announced at a special concert tonight (Thursday 15 November) at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where some of the most iconic pieces of music created by Birmingham artists will be performed.
One of the ‘Brummies Who Inspire’, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah, said: “When I hear the word Birmingham I feel pride, when I hear the Brummie accent I hear music, and when I see the people of Birmingham I see my family.”
Birmingham City University’s roots date back 175 years to the foundation of Birmingham Government School of Design in 1843, the forerunner to the present day schools of Art and Visual Communication.
In 1884 the School evolved into Birmingham College of Art, moving to a purpose-built Venetian Gothic building on Margaret Street designed by John Chamberlain. Today, Margaret Street still houses the University’s School of Art and is a Grade I Listed Building.
Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “It has been great to see the passion and the debate that this vote has inspired.
“These ten inspirational Birmingham figures come from a variety of professions and walks of life, but are united by their contribution to this astonishing and vibrant city.
“At this special concert we are celebrating both the 175-year history of this university as an institution at the heart of our city and those who have made a positive impact on Birmingham life.”
The celebratory evening of entertainment will be hosted by newsreader and television and radio presenter John Suchet.
For more information and to book tickets visit bcu.ac.uk/175.