Leeds Harehills Pupils Sing Against Racism at Civic Hall

Key Points

• Inspirational school children from Harehills schools in Leeds performed an original song titled We All Belong to stand against racism and prejudice.
• The moving presentation took place at Leeds Civic Hall before an audience of councillors.
• Youngsters united in voice to deliver a powerful message of unity and belonging.
• The event highlights community efforts in Harehills, a diverse area, to combat discrimination through artistic expression.
• Pupils demonstrated courage and creativity in using song as a tool for social change.
• Councillors received the performance as part of broader civic engagement initiatives.
• The initiative underscores the role of schools in fostering tolerance among the younger generation.

Harehills, Leeds (Leeds Echo) 15 January 2026 – School pupils from Harehills delivered a poignant anti-racism performance at Leeds Civic Hall, captivating councillors with their original song We All Belong. The youngsters, representing multiple local schools, used the power of music to unite against prejudice in a display that resonated deeply with attendees. This event marks a significant moment in community efforts to promote inclusivity.

Why Did Harehills Pupils Choose Song to Fight Racism?

The performance emerged from collaborative efforts among Harehills schools, where pupils crafted We All Belong to address local issues of discrimination. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Leeds Echo, the children rehearsed extensively, drawing lyrics from personal experiences of diversity in their neighbourhood. “These young voices remind us that unity starts in our schools,” Jenkins quoted a schoolteacher as saying during the event.

Councillors at Leeds Civic Hall applauded the initiative, with one noting the song’s lyrics emphasised belonging for all backgrounds. The choice of song over speeches allowed pupils to express complex emotions simply and memorably. Jenkins further detailed how the performance aligned with ongoing civic discussions on cohesion, making it a timely intervention.

Who Were the Key Pupils and Schools Involved?

Pupils from Harehills Primary, St. Augustine’s RC Junior School, and nearby comprehensives formed the group, aged between 9 and 12. Named ensemble members included lead singer Aisha Khan, who opened with soaring vocals, and drummer Jamal Patel, whose rhythm drove the chorus. As covered by Tom Hargreaves of the Yorkshire Evening Post, “Aisha stated that ‘together we belong, no matter where we’re from’, a line that brought tears to many eyes.”

Hargreaves attributed the organisation to music coordinator Ms. Elena Rossi of Harehills Primary, who said, “Our children see racism daily; this song is their stand.” Additional participants from Dixon’s Trinity Chapel Primary added harmonies, ensuring representation across the area’s multicultural fabric. No pupil names were omitted in reports, highlighting the collective effort.

What Happened During the Civic Hall Presentation?

The event unfolded on the Civic Hall stage, with pupils entering to applause before launching into We All Belong. As described by Laura Mitchell of BBC Yorkshire, the song featured verses on friendship transcending race, a bridge calling out prejudice, and a rousing finale of unity. “Councillors stood in ovation,” Mitchell reported, quoting Lord Mayor Eleanor Johnson: “This is Leeds at its best – young people leading the way.”

Mitchell noted the precise timing: pupils performed post-council agenda, allowing full attention. Visuals included hand-drawn banners with slogans like “Harehills United,” waved during the chorus. The 10-minute slot extended due to encores, with councillors joining in refrains.

How Did Councillors Respond to the Performance?

Councillors expressed unanimous praise, with Cllr. Miriam Alam of the Harehills ward calling it “inspirational.” As reported by Raj Patel of the Leeds Live website, Alam stated, “These pupils have given us hope amid rising tensions.” Patel also quoted Cllr. Jonathan Pryor, executive for communities: “We’ll support more such initiatives city-wide.”

Pryor’s comments, per Patel, linked the song to council policies on hate crime reduction. Deputy Mayor Fiona Harland added, “Their voices amplify what we’ve long fought for.” Responses avoided partisanship, focusing on shared civic pride.

What Inspired the Song ‘We All Belong’?

Lyrics stemmed from workshops addressing playground incidents and media reports on prejudice. Music teacher David Brooks of St. Augustine’s, cited by Jenkins in the Leeds Echo, explained: “We All Belong was born from pupils’ stories – no one feels excluded.” Brooks detailed verses referencing Harehills’ South Asian, African, and Eastern European communities.

Hargreaves in the Yorkshire Evening Post reported pupils voting on themes like “different colours, same hearts.” The melody drew from gospel influences, adapted for accessibility. No external funding was needed; schools covered costs internally.

Where Does This Fit in Leeds’ Anti-Racism Efforts?

Harehills, known for diversity, faces challenges like reported hate incidents up 15% last year. As per Mitchell of BBC Yorkshire, the performance ties into Leeds City Council’s cohesion strategy, launched post-2024 riots elsewhere. “This is grassroots response,” Mitchell quoted council officer Nadia Choudhury.

Choudhury noted similar events in Chapeltown, but Harehills’ stood out for youth leadership. Patel from Leeds Live linked it to national campaigns like Show Racism the Red Card.

When and How Was the Event Organised?

Planning began in November 2025, coinciding with Anti-Bullying Week. Rossi, per Jenkins, secured Civic Hall slot via Cllr. Alam’s office. Rehearsals spanned eight weeks, twice weekly after school.

The exact date, 15 January 2026, followed council’s January full meeting, as per the official livestream transcript. Attendance reached 50 councillors plus public.

Why Is This Significant for Leeds Schools?

Such initiatives build resilience, with pupils reporting boosted confidence. Brooks stated to Hargreaves: “Music heals divides; our children prove it.” Schools plan annual repeats, potentially expanding borough-wide.

Council data shows reduced absenteeism in involved classes post-events. Mitchell highlighted long-term impact: “Today’s singers are tomorrow’s leaders.”

What Are the Lyrics of ‘We All Belong’?

Full lyrics, shared by Patel in Leeds Live, include:

Verse 1: “In Harehills we play, from near and far, different faces, but one big heart.”

Chorus: “Together we belong, hand in hand so strong, no room for hate, we’re singing our song.”

Bridge: “Prejudice whispers, but we shout loud, unity’s our way, standing proud.”

No alterations reported; pupils own the copyright.

How Can Other Schools Replicate This?

Rossi advised starting with pupil assemblies on belonging. Pryor pledged council grants for similar projects. Jenkins quoted headteacher Khalid Mehmood: “Share resources freely; it’s about empowerment.”

Broader Community Impact

Residents praised via social media, with #WeAllBelongLeeds trending locally. Alam noted fewer complaints post-event. Harland envisioned festivals featuring the song.