Who I am

The latest stories

Collated by Bradford People Library

Bradford’s People Library is a collection of ‘human books’ highlighting the many things we have in common as human beings, as well as celebrating our differences. Read on for inspiring stories from people born and bred or newly arrived and who live in all parts of our wonderful district. Demonstrating that there is always more to a human ‘book’ than just its cover.

To find out more about the People Library, and how you could tell your story, please click here.

Bird Man
This film charts the life of one of Bradford's iconic characters - Barry Roots - often found at the 'Top o' town' amongst friends and, of course, the Pigeons... and...
Finding freedom in art
“It was the most healing, life-changing and perspective-shifting experience I’ve ever had... Imagine that the freedom of expression we felt as children was...
Re-writing Representation
Forging race equality within the TV and media industry There comes a point in life, when we decide that rather than letting life ‘happen to us’, we’re going to...
Surrounded by stories
A Street Photographer’s journey to putting Bradford’s heritage on the international map Pioneers often don’t see themselves as that, they’re busy forging...
The Fight for a Better Future
From refugee to activist, one man’s journey to freedom and his mission to help others. When you speak with Asumani you realise the incredibly powerful gift of having...
A Vital Connection
Discovering strength through community. As you speak with Shaida from Keighley, you quickly get a strong sense of her resilience and fortitude as she shares her journey...
Life is a journey
Finding safety and freedom in music, the Yorkshire landscape and the LGBTQ community. “Most of the time young people feel there’s no safety to just express...
Ordinary and Extraordinary
The power of stories and art in connecting people and places. “I grew up in Manningham, so the park and Cartwright Hall were close by. We pretty much went every week,...
#IAMBRADFORD
Islamophobia is one of the key campaigns outlined in our Anti-Rumour and Critical Thinking Strategy. As part of the #IAMBRADFORD month (November), we talked to nine diverse...
People just like you
“We were trying to save our lives, but the future was uncertain…” A story from one of the ‘most discriminated people in the world’* Everyone expected...
Whose are yous?
Overcoming 900 years of segregation to find a home and belonging in Bradford. Belonging is a fundamental building block to life, as it allows you to build a...
Finding fulfilment in a shed
Tackling mental health and wellbeing through shared passions and community “If you sit twelve men in a circle and ask them to chat about their problems, the...
Staring at a new world
I was a frightened 16 year old, staring at a new world, longing for safety and a happy home. I came to the UK when I was sixteen with the help of the Red Cross, after...
Fatherhood
It's important for fathers to know that they are important figures in their children’s’ lives and that it's OK to have a strong connection with your child. I was...