Spring is on the way. On the early evening of April 1st I cycled from Levenshulme to Manchester School of Theatre to see third-year students perform  ‘Intimate Apparel’  by Lynn Nottage. It was directed by Carla Henry. Henry's work at Manchester Theatre School  has been exemplary.   

Before the play I met with Testament. He is author of  Black Men Walking which is studied in schools here in Manchester. Before meeting Testament I cycled on Oxford Rd past Whitworth Gallery where a banner proclaims a new show by  Althea McNish called  The Colour is Mine  As I cycle a little further down oxford road I pass Contact Theatre. The artistic director is the brilliant Keisha Thompson.

A little further down Oxford Rd I pass University of Manchester where David Olusoga OBE is professor of History and  Gary Younge is professor of  Sociology. The Chancellor is Nazir Afzal OBE and the president is Nancy Rothwell.   I cycle past Manchester Museum where my friend Parvinder Sohal works and where the brand new  South Asia Gallery  is.

Just a few days earlier I saw a blistering play  Of All The Beautiful Things in the World written and directed by Yusra Warsama. It was about five women in one house in Moss Side. It was at Home in Manchester City Centre. A few days earlier I was at the launch of Manchester International festival where news broke that artist Benji Reid will launch Find Your Eyes.

At the end of “Intimate Apparel”  the actors received a standing ovation and call backs.  The casting of the play  reflected the city, the region and the country.  Every skilful note Carla imparted to the actors was given with love.

All these instances of diversity are from one cycle ride into Manchester from Levenshulme on April 1st. The city is full to bursting with diverse talent.

Look at this photograph. This is what diversity looks like: Talent and joy.

Race and Manchester have been under scrutiny. It’s that cotton picking slave trade. The Guardian has taken a good look at itself and turned its gaze to the city where it was born. And it is a good thing  - the scrutiny not the slave trade - because city pride can border arrogance. Arrogance can border defensiveness and defensiveness is the dirty fuel of racism and all manner of isms.

The cultural sector is showing the way when it comes to diversity. Ask Esme Ward at Manchester Museums, Ask John McGrath and Kee Hong at Factory International. ask Bev Craig leader of The City Council, ask Deputy leader Luthfur Rahman, ask Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and ask Mayor Donna Ludford. This really is the place.