Derek Douglas

Lozells and Handsworth has changed remarkably

Never far from Handsworth and Lozells, Derek Douglas has always lent out a helping hand to those who need it from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Derek was born in Handsworth but was very close to Lozells. His work revolves around social justice and development, including supporting vulnerable people in terms of housing which is a national problem to this day.

Furthermore, some of his work is concentrated in Handsworth & Lozells, “My work’s connection to that area has been around social justice, social development. Always being around and developing people who want to develop themselves. Supporting vulnerable people in terms of housing, doing community work, supporting young people who want to develop themselves”. 

As one of the most deprived and poorest areas in Birmingham, Handsworth & Lozells have nothing short of challenging obstacles. Derek’s family come from the Windrush generation which caused a lot of “hurt and frustration”. He also recalls a lot of unemployment which leads to trouble with the police. Derek says that this led to the black community feeling victimised due to the establishment, meaning not only the police but state institutions as well. Derek also talks of a “roadblock” to employment, meaning it was hard for Asians and Blacks to find jobs. Derek follows up by casting his mind to the 1981 riots where he joined a law centre at the same time. He remembers two shopkeepers dying that day.

When asked about the community’s response to the riots, Derek describes how the community united however they reacted too slowly, “I think the communities did well. I think you and I were involved in a round-table meeting with local MP and some of the councillors in terms of how best we can work together, inform young people that there are other alternatives than breaking down doors or setting cars on fire. But that also had to be done in partnership with the local authorities. I have to give them a bit of credit in terms of reacting, but they reacted too slowly. I think they didn’t realise the frustration of young people”.

A virus that affected the whole nation, Covid-19 brought new challenges never experienced before to Lozells & Handsworth. Derek explains how the community came together in a unified spirit, “I think the community worked well together in terms of the pandemic. I think there was a lot of support going on, not necessarily in front of you, but behind the scenes… there was that kind of unity in terms of protecting each other, or looking after each other”.

The Handsworth and Lozells area has come a long way since the riots of the 1980s and mid-2000s. Derek acknowledges how the neighbourhood has become more diverse than ever but there’s still room for improvement, “Lozells and Handsworth has changed remarkably. There are new communities coming in… I think there’s huge potential in Handsworth and Lozells”.