The Yemeni community in Eccles stretches back to the 1950s. They were one of the first Muslim immigrant communities in the area, introducing the first local mosque and halal butcher.

The Yemeni Community Association recognised that this history was not being properly recognised. Therefore they joined forces with the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust (AIUET), who run numerous oral history projects, to collect and share the stories of the black communities of Manchester.

The 18-month project captured the oral histories of 22 people, from elders who migrated during the 1950s throughto third generation descendants. Once completed, the recordings were deposited at AIUET’s Race Resource Centre in Manchester.

Through workshops, large numbers of people created artwork reflecting their memories, complemented by 11 volunteers carrying out additional research in the local archives. The story of the community and its achievements was shared widely through an exhibition at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. It included excerpts from interviews, photos, maps and objects, and creative work by local Yemeni women.

One of the elders interviewed commented that he felt honoured, respected and valued for his contribution, and it was “one of the best days of his life”.

Find out more on the official Yemeni Community Manchester website.