School children sang against racism and prejudice in a moving presentation to city councillors.
Youngsters from schools in Harehills were at Leeds Civic Hall to perform their song We All Belong.
The Harehills Community Champions attended a full council meeting to give suggestions to tackle discrimination in a deputation to elected members.
Their song included the lyrics: “I’m from here. You’re from here. Together we belong.”
The visit was part of a “Belonging Project”, organised by the charity Global Learning Leeds, which runs education programmes in the city.
A leaflet from the charity said: “A key driver of stereotyping, misunderstanding, fear and prejudice is a lack of contact with people different to ourselves.”
The children suggested a social media campaign and non-uniform days at schools where children would wear red to oppose racism.
They said: “Then if people see racism happening on the streets they can stand up against it.”
They were invited to the meeting by Salma Arif, Labour councillor for Gipton and Harehlls.
Coun Arif said: “I was proud as the local councillor to help make it possible for young people from Harehills to attend Civic Hall and share their song and message.
“Their voices remind us that belonging, respect and unity must sit at the heart of our city.”
