Leeds Pupils Sing Against Racism at Civic Hall

Key Points

• Inspirational school children from schools in Harehills, Leeds, performed an original song titled We All Belong to stand against racism and prejudice.
• The performance took place at Leeds Civic Hall during a full council meeting attended by councillors.
• The song’s poignant lyrics include: “I’m from here. You’re from here. Together we belong.”
• The event was organised as part of the “Belonging Project” by the charity Global Learning Leeds, which runs education programmes in the city.
• Youngsters united in voice as part of the Harehills Community Champions initiative to give suggestions on tackling discrimination.
• The presentation highlighted community efforts to foster belonging and combat prejudice through creative expression.

Harehills, Leeds (Leeds Echo) 16 January 2026 – School pupils from Harehills delivered a powerful anti-racism performance at Leeds Civic Hall, captivating councillors with their original song We All Belong. The youngsters, representing local schools, sang lyrics affirming unity such as “I’m from here. You’re from here. Together we belong,” as part of the Harehills Community Champions’ address to the full council. This moving event formed a key segment of the “Belonging Project,” spearheaded by Global Learning Leeds.

What Inspired These School Pupils to Perform Against Racism?

The performance emerged from the “Belonging Project,” an initiative by Global Learning Leeds, a charity dedicated to delivering education programmes across the city. As detailed in reports from the Leeds Echo, the project aims to empower young people to address discrimination through creative means. Pupils from Harehills schools came together specifically for this occasion, using song as a medium to voice their commitment to unity.

Councillors witnessed the youngsters’ harmonious delivery, which underscored messages of inclusion amid ongoing community discussions on prejudice. The Harehills Community Champions, the group facilitating the pupils’ involvement, presented broader suggestions during the full council meeting on how to tackle discrimination effectively. This collaboration highlighted the role of youth in shaping local anti-racism strategies.

Where and When Did the Performance Take Place?

Leeds Civic Hall served as the venue for this poignant event, hosting the full council gathering where the pupils performed. According to accounts from local coverage, the presentation occurred recently, aligning with community efforts in early 2026 to reinforce belonging in diverse neighbourhoods like Harehills. The timing coincided with the Harehills Community Champions’ formal address, amplifying the pupils’ message to decision-makers.

The Civic Hall’s historic setting provided a fitting backdrop, symbolising civic engagement and public discourse. Global Learning Leeds organised the event within their ongoing programmes, ensuring the performance reached an audience of elected officials directly influencing policy.

Who Organised the “Belonging Project” and What Is Its Purpose?

Global Learning Leeds, the charity behind the “Belonging Project,” runs a range of education initiatives designed to promote understanding and combat prejudice in Leeds schools. The project specifically brought together Harehills pupils to create and perform We All Belong, fostering a sense of shared identity. Reports emphasise how the charity’s work equips young people with tools to challenge racism through artistic expression.

The Harehills Community Champions played a pivotal role, coordinating the pupils’ participation and linking it to practical suggestions for councillors. This partnership exemplifies grassroots efforts supported by established organisations, with the performance serving as both advocacy and inspiration.

What Are the Key Lyrics and Their Message?

The song We All Belong features direct, heartfelt lyrics such as “I’m from here. You’re from here. Together we belong,” which resonate with themes of unity and rejection of prejudice. These words, performed by the school children in unison, encapsulated their stand against racism during the Civic Hall presentation. The simplicity and repetition in the lyrics made them memorable, reinforcing the message for all attendees.

As pupils from Harehills schools united their voices, the performance transformed personal experiences into a collective anthem. Councillors received this not just as entertainment, but as a youth-led call to action on discrimination.

How Did Councillors Respond to the Pupils’ Presentation?

The full council meeting at Leeds Civic Hall saw councillors moved by the youngsters’ delivery, as part of the Harehills Community Champions’ wider input on tackling discrimination. Local reports note the emotional impact of the song, which prompted reflection on community cohesion strategies. The performance stood out amid formal suggestions, blending artistry with advocacy.

No specific quotes from individual councillors appear in initial coverage, but the event’s inclusion in the agenda signals official recognition. Global Learning Leeds’ role ensured the pupils’ voices carried weight in policy discussions.

Why Is the Harehills Community Champions Group Significant?

The Harehills Community Champions convened at the full council to offer targeted suggestions on discrimination, with the pupils’ song as a highlight. This group represents local efforts to mobilise residents, particularly youth, against prejudice in a diverse area like Harehills. Their platform at Civic Hall amplified grassroots perspectives.

By integrating the “Belonging Project” performance, the Champions demonstrated innovative approaches to engagement. This event underscores their ongoing commitment to fostering belonging through collaborative initiatives.

What Role Do Schools in Harehills Play in Anti-Racism Efforts?

Youngsters from Harehills schools formed the core of the performing group, drawing from their daily experiences in a multicultural neighbourhood. Their participation in We All Belong reflects broader educational pushes via Global Learning Leeds’ programmes. These schools serve as hubs for such projects, nurturing pupils’ abilities to address social issues creatively.

The performance marked a public milestone, showcasing how local education integrates anti-racism into extracurricular activities. Councillors’ exposure to these voices highlights schools’ influence on civic matters.

How Does Global Learning Leeds Support City-Wide Programmes?

Global Learning Leeds orchestrates projects like “Belonging,” running education programmes that span Leeds to promote global citizenship and tackle prejudice. Their organisation of the Civic Hall event involved coordinating pupils, lyrics, and rehearsals, culminating in the anti-racism song. The charity’s track record positions it as a key player in youth empowerment.

Through such initiatives, the organisation bridges schools and council, ensuring young perspectives inform anti-discrimination policies. The Harehills event exemplifies their methodical approach.

What Suggestions Did the Community Champions Offer Councillors?

During the full council meeting, the Harehills Community Champions provided suggestions on tackling discrimination, with the pupils’ performance as a centrepiece. These inputs focused on practical steps for community cohesion, though specifics remain tied to ongoing discussions. The song We All Belong complemented these by emotionally reinforcing the need for unity.

Attribution to the group’s collective voice maintains neutrality, as no individual statements dominate coverage. This holistic presentation aimed to influence local strategies effectively.

Why Use Song as a Tool Against Prejudice?

The power of song allowed Harehills pupils to convey anti-racism messages memorably, with lyrics like “Together we belong” striking at prejudice’s core. Performed at Leeds Civic Hall, it engaged councillors beyond spoken words, leveraging music’s universal appeal. Global Learning Leeds selected this format to maximise impact within the “Belonging Project.”

This creative method aligns with educational trends, making abstract issues tangible for young performers and audiences alike. The event proved song’s efficacy in public advocacy.

What Makes This Event Inspirational for Leeds Communities?

The unity of Harehills school children standing against racism through We All Belong inspires broader community action. At a time of diverse challenges, their Civic Hall performance models inclusion, as facilitated by Global Learning Leeds and the Community Champions. Councillors’ platform elevates this to city-wide relevance.

Such youth-led initiatives signal hope, encouraging similar efforts across Leeds. The event’s resonance lies in its authentic, collective voice.

How Can Similar Initiatives Be Replicated Elsewhere?

Drawing from the “Belonging Project,” other areas could partner charities like Global Learning Leeds with local champions for youth performances. Harehills’ success at Civic Hall offers a blueprint: select resonant lyrics, secure civic venues, and tie to policy suggestions. Schools provide ready participants, fostering sustained anti-racism work.

Neutral replication emphasises community-driven organisation, avoiding over-reliance on external funding. Leeds’ model demonstrates scalability for UK-wide prejudice reduction.