Over 250 people gathered at the University of Bradford for the Northern Race Equality Conference (NREC25), a major event focused on advancing racial justice and building solidarity across the North of England.
Organised by the Race Equality Network (REN) in partnership with the Ella Baker School of Organising and Inclusive North, the conference, held on Wednesday 9 April, brought together a wide range of campaigners, academics, policy experts, and community organisers to examine systemic racial inequality and strategies for change.
Marking REN’s 25th anniversary year, the event aimed to serve as both a milestone and a catalyst, offering space for dialogue and collaboration across sectors.
The day featured panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions exploring key themes such as racial justice within the asylum and immigration system, the role of trade unions, movement building, policy change, and grassroots organising. Contributors included organisations such as Runnymede Trust, Action for Race Equality, Voice4Change England, Prevent Watch, MEND, and the TUC, among many others.
Bradford West MP Naz Shah, who delivered a keynote speech at the event, praised the conference’s ambition and relevance in the current political climate. “Events like this are essential,” she said, “not only in fostering understanding but also in building connections that can bring about lasting change.”
REN CEO Humma Nizami described the event as a “major milestone” in the network’s history. “As we begin our 25th anniversary year, hosting this conference in Bradford—a city defined by its diversity—was both symbolic and strategic,” she said. “It was an opportunity to connect, learn and strengthen partnerships committed to keeping race equity central to public and civic life.”
Attendees echoed that sentiment, calling the conference a timely space for reflection and renewed commitment.
“NREC25 wasn’t just a conference—it was a call for courage, compassion, and action,” said Naz Zaman, Chief Operating Officer at Inclusive North. “Every conversation brought us closer to a world where racial equity is not aspirational but expected.”
John Page from the Ella Baker School of Organising added, “It was a fabulous opportunity to reflect, learn and recharge. There was so much knowledge and energy in the room—it was inspiring.”
Looking ahead, the Race Equality Network plans to launch a National Racial Justice Policy Forum, develop an Anti-Racist Strategy for Bradford, and expand its collaboration with more than 80 member organisations, local authorities, and national stakeholders.
Fatima Mahmood, Projects and Communications Officer at REN, said the event’s success reflected a growing momentum for racial justice. “We were thrilled by the turnout and depth of conversations. The energy was transformative, and we’re committed to sustaining that as we move forward.”
The organisers extended thanks to MP Naz Shah for her support, as well as to the University of Bradford and My Lahore for sponsoring the event. Volunteers, facilitators and partner organisations were also recognised for their role in making the conference possible.
For more information or to get involved, contact:info@raceequalitynetwork.org.uk
