skip to main content

TUC Midlands To Set Up New Black Activists Network and Steering Group

If you are a Global Majority MU member and based in the Midlands area we need you to take up the seat to represent the Union.

Published: 04 October 2022 | 3:13 PM
Black male musician wearing cap and headphones sat in recording studio with mic and acoustic guitar.
The steering group will consist of members from all unions. Image credit: Shutterstock.

TUC Midlands are setting up a Black Activists Network and Steering Group, which will sit beneath the national TUC’s Anti-racist Task Force, which was set up in response to the protests following the murder of George Floyd.

We are looking for an MU member from the Global Majority to take up the seat that has been held for the Union on the Steering Group.

What’s involved 

The steering group will consist of members from all unions, and there will be an initial meeting to discuss and agree the group’s activities and nominate a chair.

Meetings will be quarterly, with some by zoom and some in-person. In-person meetings may take place anywhere within the Midlands, from near Wales to Lincolnshire and it is hoped that the group can meet at the TUC Equalities conference in Birmingham on October 29,, 2022. Expenses will be covered by the MU.

If you are interested in being our representative on this group, please email John Shortell (The MU’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) via john.shortell@themu.org by 29 October.

Representing and advocating on behalf of musicians experiencing racism

Our network for members who experience racism is a space where people with shared identities and backgrounds can connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry.

Join our Member Network

The network ensures that the voices of members who experience racism are heard and that opportunities for activism and leadership are created.

Sign up if you are a musician from a Global Majority background to get your voice heard.

Sign up now

Representing and advocating on behalf of musicians experiencing racism

Continue reading

Sepia photo of Derek playing trumpet.

Tribute to Derek Kimber

Derek Kimber, a cornet and trumpet player whose talent spanned jazz bands, big bands and community events across the West Country, passed away on 30 November 2025. He was a dedicated member of the Musicians’ Union, having joined in 1968.

Published: 27 January 2026

Read more about Tribute to Derek Kimber
Afternoon shot of Liverpool's Cavern Quarter with bars and music venues lit up.

MU Welcomes Major Regional Creative Industries Funding Boost

The MU welcomes a new £27 million government funding package, with regions across the UK invited to bid for investment aimed at strengthening creative industry clusters and building on Liverpool City Region’s success in music innovation and growth.

Published: 26 January 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes Major Regional Creative Industries Funding Boost