Jonathan LawrenceHarehills, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, came alive last Thursday as the community gathered to celebrate its rich diversity.
The event, organised by the Give a Gift charity and funded by UKSPF, aimed to bridge divides and foster understanding among the areas diverse residents, particularly in the wake of the incident involving the Roma community last year.
Held at the Bangladeshi Community Centre, the afternoon was a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. The
air buzzed with excitement as attendees sampled delicious foods from around the world, browsed stalls
showcasing various cultures, and enjoyed captivating performances. It was such a joyous with far more
people than I could have imagined, all there to share their own and appreciate other’s cultures.
“This event is about embracing our shared humanity,” declared the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, during her address. “We celebrate not race, but the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make Harehills such a unique and special place.”
The stage came alive with a series of vibrant performances. The Clear Out Your Closet poetry group captivated the audience with their poignant reflections on migration and settlement. An energetic Iranian dance group had the crowd clapping along, while a mesmerising performance by a Filipino dance troupe, featuring delicate candlelit movements, left a lasting impression. The Sudanese dance group, radiating pure joy, showcased their vibrant culture with infectious enthusiasm.
Beyond the stage, the event provided a platform for community engagement. Representatives from various organisations, including social activity groups and community hubs, were on hand to connect with residents and provide information about their services.
Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, was there to speak at the event, having gotten the early train up from London, and he said, “It’s a special community, a unique community, a diverse community. It’s a community that actually is a community. This word community is often used very loosely, but if a community is defined by people sticking together, coming together, people supporting each other through tough times, then Harehills is the very epitome of that word.”
Harehills, a historic gateway for immigrants, has long been a melting pot of cultures. From the arrival of Jewish and Irish communities in the early 20th century to the more recent waves of immigration from the Caribbean, Asia, and Eastern Europe, the area has consistently welcomed newcomers. While facing socio-economic challenges, Harehills boasts a strong community spirit, with residents actively working to improve their neighbourhood and support one another.
This event served as a powerful reminder of the strength of diversity and the importance of building bridges between different communities. As Councillor Katung eloquently stated, “We are all one race – the human race.”
