Taiba Aqeel is currently a student at Aston University, studying Bsc History and Politics. She has a strong desire to learn more about underrepresented history, as well as a very keen interest in the Heritage sector.
Taiba had joined the organisation as part of her placement year. Trying to break the traditional routes of History, She was drawn in by the organisations unique and interesting way of teaching the community about black history by using local Birmingham architecture. Not only that, she was given various opportunities to learn more about the heritage sector. Whilst volunteering with Black Heritage Walks, Taiba had the opportunity to create a Heritage walk partnered with The Lunar Society- ‘The Lock, Stock & Barrel- Gun Quarter’.
She has been part of previous history projects. In October 2021, she was part of the ‘Hidden Voices: Black Healthcare Workers in the Midlands’ project, conducted by Aston University. She conducted interviews with black nurses to understand the different experiences between generations that black nurses felt whilst working in the NHS. She also has previous experience in the Heritage sector with projects from Aston University, Believe in Me CIC and The Library of Birmingham. Due to this, she has experience in project planning, interviews, radio debates, podcasts and speaking events. Her most recent achievement was the opportunity to be involved in an episode of Amber Gills podcast Amazing Starts Here titled ‘Believe in Me: The Guardians of South Asian History’.
‘I enjoy learning about History that isn’t commonly taught in the education system. I have a passion for volunteering for organisations that will challenge me and broaden my knowledge. Black Heritage Walks has allowed me the opportunity to plan my own heritage walk, attend meetings, and understand more about the heritage sector’.
