Barely a week passes without reports of racism, discrimination or hate crimes making headlines across Britain.
Against that backdrop, more than 200 activists, academics, lawyers, campaigners and community leaders gathered in Leeds for the Northern Race Equality Conference 2026 to discuss how communities can respond to growing racial tensions and inequality.
The conference, organised by the Race Equality Network (REN), Racial Justice Network (RJN) and the Ella Baker School of Organising, focused on issues ranging from Islamophobia and migrant rights to health inequalities, workplace discrimination and the rise of far-right politics.
Speakers repeatedly highlighted concerns about increasingly divisive rhetoric and the impact it is having on minority communities across the UK. Humma Nizami, Chief Executive of the Race Equality Network, said the event demonstrated the “strength, resilience and determination” of communities working to tackle inequality.
“At a time when divisive narratives are growing louder, it is more important than ever that we come together, build solidarity and strengthen our collective power,” she said.
Across more than 30 sessions, delegates explored practical responses to racism and exclusion, while sharing experiences of community organising and grassroots activism.
Organisations represented at the conference included Amnesty International UK, Liberty, Migrants Organise, Black Lives Matter UK, the Race Equality Foundation, the Runnymede Trust and Voice4Change England.
John Page of the Ella Baker School of Organising said the conference provided a space for people to analyse challenges and discuss solutions at a time when “narratives of division are growing rapidly”.
Dr Peninah Wangari-J, Chief Executive of the Racial Justice Network, said the gathering reinforced the importance of partnership and community-led action in advancing racial justice.
The event concluded with calls for greater collaboration between organisations working across race equality, community development and social justice, with delegates leaving with renewed commitments to tackling discrimination and inequality across the North and beyond.
