Forgotten Stories of Oxford with Rawz
Race & Resistance is back! We are opening our 24/25 series with a special event: a radical walking tour of Oxford. Our guide, Rawz, has curated a walking tour made up of forgotten narratives at the heart of the city he grew up in. We will have the privilege of hearing Rawz speak about British colonialism and tourism, sites of historic unrest, and community organising in Oxford.

We will meet on Turn Again Lane (near Westgate) at 13:00 with the tour to begin at 13:10. It will last around 90 minutes. The tour is step-free and accessible. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with us.

Bio: Rawz (he/him) is a Multidisciplinary Artist from Oxford. His practice centres around words and music, and is rooted in social justice and the exploration and understanding of our interconnected worlds.

Rawz’ story is one of extreme contrast and determination against the odds, themes often explored in his work. From leaving school with no qualifications, to becoming Resident Sound Artist at one of the world’s most prestigious learning institutions, his personal journey stands as testament to his resilient character, and strong work ethic.

Rawz started out as an MC and Poet. Growing up in one of the UK’s most under-served areas, Greater Leys in Oxford, he first discovered lyric writing in his early teens, finding it an essential way to channel his emotions and organise his thoughts. Since then, Rawz has performed his craft all over Europe, collaborated with musicians from all over the world, and shared stages with some of his childhood heroes.

As his practice as a Poet and Musician developed, Rawz explored other means of expression; experimenting with a range of mediums including collage, videography, photography and more, bringing these skills together with his poetry and music to create projects which combine a range of media.

Through Art, Rawz shares his exploration of interconnection and interdependence. His responses often promote outer change and advancement through inner reflection, and positive action.

An experienced Youth Worker and Teacher, swiftly becoming an expert in the fields of Decolonisation and Public Engagement within a range of academic disciplines; Rawz set up The Urban Music Foundation in 2009. Under this banner he delivers a wide range of creative activities in a variety of settings.

You can find more about Rawz at his website: www.rawzcreates.com

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Date: 18 October 2024, 13:00 (Friday, 1st week, Michaelmas 2024)
Venue: Starting point is at Turn Again Lane, near Westgate
Speaker: Rawz (Urban Music Foundation)
Organising department: The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH)
Organisers: Dr Chantelle Lewis (University of Oxford), Holly Cooper (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: raceandresistance@torch.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Race & Resistance
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Public
Editor: Holly Cooper