| Title: | R1182_02 Track 2_Avtar Singh Jouhl |
|---|---|
| Description: |
This is an oral history interview with Avtar Singh Jouhl, recorded between October 1991- February 1992, as part of the Birmingham Black Oral History Project (BBOHP), discussing his life in India and the UK. Avtar lived in Punjab, India until 1958 when he left college and travelled to England hoping to continue his studies. He worked in foundries in Birmingham and joined the Indian Workers Association after experiencing inequalities in the workplace. He talks about his upbringing in rural Punjab, India, his involvement with Trade Unions and politics and his work and family life in Birmingham. These recordings include racially explicit content, including discussions of racism, prejudice and violence; and language and phrasing that we would not use today. Some of this content might be unsuitable for younger listeners or triggering for People of Colour. We recommend reading the description for each track before choosing to listen. R1182 Track 01 The House in Smethwick Avtar describes living conditions in the Smethwick house in Birmingham Track 02 The House in Smethwick (continued) Avtar talks about the difference between British and Indian houses Track 03 The House in Smethwick (continued) Avtar talks about living conditions when he first came to England and reasons for buying property Track 04 The House in Smethwick (continued) Avtar talks about purchase of food, cooking and eating arrangements Track 05 Food Shopping / Money Lenders Avtar talks about purchase of food and sending money to family to pay loans Track 06 Starting Work Avtar talks about starting work in a foundry Track 07 Saving Money / Colour Bar in Pubs Avtar talks about using money orders through the Post Office to send money to India. He also talks about his experience of going to a pub where there were rooms reserved for white people only Track 08 Colour Bar in Other Places Avtar talks about his shock at being refused a haircut at a barber’s because he was Indian Track 09 Writing Letters Home / Starting Work at Shotton Foundry Avtar talks about writing letters for other people, helping out as he could understand English and starting work at a foundry Track 10 Being a Moulder’s Mate at Shotton Foundry Avtar talks about his job at the foundry |
| Keywords: |
Birmingham Museums Trust/Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sound Archive/ Oral History, Social history/ BBOHP, Social history/ Birmingham Black Oral History Project, Black History |
| Usage Rights: | CC BY-NC 4.0 - Attribution-Non Commercial You are free to share & adapt this material. Credit: © Birmingham Museums Trust, shared under CC BY-NC 4.0 licence |
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