Over the past year, Lives of Colour has been working with young people across Cheltenham to explore themes of identity, belonging, racial equity and community. They have produced a recent report, linked below, which details the projects that have taken place so far.
Lives of Colour receives support through the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI) micro-grant scheme, helping to support its education work at All Saints’ Academy and in the wider community. The Diocese of Gloucester is one of six dioceses involved in the WMRJI.
This year, Lives of Colour has been collaborating with the Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP) around the theme ‘I live in Cheltenham but I come from…’. Across the academic year, a series of creative and educational projects have encouraged young people to explore their identities, celebrate the diversity of their communities and consider how they can help build a more inclusive future.
One of the projects was Voicebox, which gave young people the opportunity to discuss issues of race, identity and inclusion. A highlight was a conversation with journalist and author Natalie Morris, inspired by her book ‘Mixed/Other’. Students were able to reflect on their own experiences and ask questions about identity and belonging, which created open and meaningful discussion.
The Young Designers project explored these themes through fashion and creativity. Over a series of workshops, students from six schools took inspiration from African national flowers, combining them with British influences to create wearable art reflecting the different aspects of identity. With support from artist Frances Browne, donated clothing and African fabrics were transformed into creative designs. The students’ work was then showcased at a live runway show in June at the University of Gloucestershire’s historic Francis Close Hall Campus Chapel, as part of the ‘Potpourri of Our Society’ collection.
Through the Horizons Council, held in January, young people had the opportunity to explore how Cheltenham could become a more racially equitable and inclusive town. Students from ten secondary schools researched issues affecting their communities and shared their ideas with local experts and leaders. The day provided an important opportunity for young people to have their voices heard and to contribute to conversations about the future of their town.
The theme of identity and belonging was also explored through Young Poets. Students were invited to write original poetry in response to the theme ‘I live in Cheltenham but I come from…’, drawing on their experiences, heritage and communities. The project culminated in a Poetry Slam in May at the Parabola Arts Centre, where young people performed their work in front of friends and family. BAFTA-winning poet Dean Atta joined the event as a guest judge and performer. Seven schools were involved across the project, with the Poetry Slam bringing together 28 young participants.
Across all four projects, Lives of Colour has created opportunities for young people to explore what identity and belonging mean to them, while encouraging them to think about how they can help shape a more inclusive community.
The projects also demonstrate the importance of listening to young people and creating spaces where their voices can be heard. The programme has celebrated the rich diversity of Cheltenham and encouraged young people to play an active role in building a more welcoming and equitable future.
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