Kids of Colour is a platform for young people of colour (Y-PoC) to explore race, identity and culture and challenge the everyday, institutionalised racism that shapes their lives.

Mainstream society does not want to talk about race or admit that we are all part of (with many thriving from) racism. It is time to stop avoiding the deeply racist ideologies the UK is built on and challenge the prevalent beliefs that let Y-PoC down. Kids of Colour will shift false narratives (gang members, drug dealers, intruders, terrorists), instill empathy in society for an excluded demographic, and build a network of Y-PoC and White Allies across the UK to who challenge racist beliefs, approaches and institutional norms.

Organisations and the justice system across the UK frame racism as ‘hate’. Although so much racism still endured by Y-PoC is overt, often, the silent racism that Y-PoC experience in their schools, workplaces, community and public continues to deepen divides. Their experiences show that any progress that society claims it is making is purely superficial. Much of what young people are experiencing is micro-aggressive, subtle and deeply institutional – affecting Y-PoCs’ daily interactions and making them ‘want to be white’. It is time everyone valued their experiences and viewed them as equal citizens. It is easier to lack empathy for those ‘other’ to society’s ‘default’. It is easier to take one-dimensional portrayals seen in headlines as fact.

Society does not understand, or promote, the everyday experiences and challenges faced by Y-PoC; it must be addressed. Having worked closely with young people in Greater Manchester since 2014, I have seen firsthand the daily challenges they face due to race. They know we do not live in a post-racial society. They do not see themselves represented or supported, and want to speak out, connect to each other, and inform and challenge wider society.

I have run Kids of Colour since February 2018, and it has had so many success stories to date, working hard to support young people in challenging racis; from events and workshops to exposing institutional racism. You can follow the project's progress and action on our social media channels @KidsOfColourHQ (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook).

However, this work is currently not permanently funded, having received only two small pots of workshop/event funding. Outside of that, it has been funded through my work, in-kind support and from wonderful people who have donated.

People have been asking where they can make donations. Until Kids of Colour is an official organisation, you are welcome to donate here and I will keep this page up to date with where your money is going! For now, any donations will go towards event/workshop costs; resources; project activity and ensuring young people who support can be paid or rewarded for their time.

Meanwhile, I will continue to apply for funding and hope that someone believes in the project's cause! I am grateful for any support given, and if you've come this far, thank you so much for reading and learning more about Kids of Colour.

Roxy