Being anti-racist is not a label we simply wear; it’s a daily commitment, a collective practice, and a constant act of courage. At the North East Anti-Racism Coalition, we often talk about what it means to be anti-racist, not just in words, but in action. And it’s a question that continues to evolve as we learn, unlearn, and grow together.

To be anti-racist means more than rejecting racism in principle – it’s about actively recognising, challenging, and dismantling the systems and behaviours that allow inequality to persist. It’s about understanding how racism operates not only through overt acts of hate, but also through quiet assumptions, institutional barriers, and the silencing of marginalised voices.

Professor Peter Hopkins, one of our members and a long-time advocate for racial justice, puts this beautifully in his video ‘Whats Is anti-racism’? In the video, we are reminded that being anti-racist is about the choices we make in our communities, workplaces, and conversations. It’s not something we achieve once and move on from; it’s an ongoing process of reflection and responsibility.

Being anti-racist is also about building something better. It’s about creating spaces – whether in schools, hospitals, offices, or local councils, where equity is not an afterthought but the foundation. It’s about standing beside one another, particularly when it’s uncomfortable, and using whatever influence or access we have to make things fairer for everyone.

Here in the North East, our movement brings together individuals and organisations who believe in this shared vision. We know that racism is not just a national issue; it’s local, it’s personal, and it shapes lives in our communities every day. That’s why we come together: to build understanding, amplify marginalised voices, and push for structural change across our region.

Professor Hopkins’ video also invites us to think deeply about what our role is in this work. Whether you are part of a community group, a business, or simply someone who wants to do better, being anti-racist means starting where you are, learning from others, and being prepared to act. It’s in the conversations we have, the policies we challenge, the opportunities we create, and the stories we choose to share.

We at the North East Anti-Racism Coalition know this isn’t easy work, but it’s essential. Anti-racism calls us to see beyond comfort and convenience, to imagine a North East where every person feels seen, valued, and free from discrimination. That’s the future we’re working towards, together.

Take a moment to watch Professor Peter Hopkins’s video and think about what being anti-racist means to you, not just in theory, but in the everyday choices that shape our shared lives.