Last week, something remarkable happened. At the North East Charity Awards, the North East Anti-Racism Coalition was announced as the winner of the Special Recognition Award, in partnership with Community Foundation North East and Point North.
The moment came as a total surprise. Our Planning Group members and other members of the team hadn’t even been sitting together – each of us had been invited separately but across the room, as the name was read out, the reaction was the same: shock, smiles, and an overwhelming sense of WHAT!
This award is more than a recognition of the Coalition; it’s a recognition of the people behind it. Those who give up their evenings and weekends, our administrator and coordinator who keep everything running, the organisations and individuals who’ve joined forces to create something bold, and the communities who’ve trusted us with their stories and experiences.
Winning this award matters because it sends a message. It tells everyone watching that our region values people coming together to stand against racism, religious hate, and all forms of division. It shows that collective action, even when it’s hard, even when it’s new, can be powerful, meaningful, and respected.
It also reminds us of the work still to do. Hate crime figures remain high. Families and communities are still healing from last summer’s riots. The voices of Black, Asian and other minoritised communities still need to be heard and acted on. This award doesn’t mark the end of that work, it energises us to go further.
And we need you with us. Join our mailing list, follow our social channels, come to our events, or simply share our posts. Every action and every voice helps strengthen this movement.
This award belongs to everyone who’s stood with us so far. It’s proof of what can happen when people unite. Now imagine what’s possible as even more people get involved.
Together, we’re building a North East where everyone feels safe, valued and included, and this is just the beginning.