Deprivation, population change, diversity and relational change

This chapter introduces the estate in terms of some key people and its geography. Next, it looks at some of the activities and initiatives run by residents over the past 40 years, such as managing communal buildings, running youth clubs, holiday playschemes and organizing social activities. The chapter then explores how demographic changes led to racism, discriminatory practices and deep divisions led to parallel projects emerging. Finally, the text describes the local geography of the estate, including its layout and community spaces where estate life occurs and how it is becoming an island of deprivation surrounded by nearby gentrification.

The people who make it all happen

The first and possibly most noteworthy resident is Dorothy, who came to the UK from Jamaica in her 20s to study nursing. After a short time in Essex and then Manchester, she settled on St Mary’s Estate in the early 1980s. One summer, a few kids lit fires in her block’s bin shelter, and when she found out about the harshness of the boys’ lives, it moved her to go across to the local school and see if she could help out. Her eagerness led her to take some community development classes at the local adult education centre and then retrain as a social worker.

Over the past 40 years, Dorothy has been involved in most local initiatives. As the current treasurer of the residents’ committee and as the one who always makes herself available to help, she holds significant influence. Her willingness to work alongside others of her generation who were previously openly racist and tried to obstruct her efforts is an indication of her character. Although Dorothy would sometimes speak of the pain she endured during this period, she never says a bad word against those responsible.

Another key figure is Charis. Now in her late 40s, Charis lived in Birmingham when she first came from Jamaica before moving to the estate in the mid-1990s. She shares a two-bedroom flat with her brother, two daughters, Miche, now 31 and Stephanie, aged 16, and Miche’s two daughters.