Spreading The Word about tackling racism

A hip-hop and rap show highlighting the issues around racism and discrimination is to be staged in East Durham next year.

Sunderland-based group The Word will be hoping to inspire young audiences to be more tolerant to others when they perform their award winning show at the Glebe Centre, Murton.

And although the free concert, which is aimed at secondary school pupils, is not due to take place until February, teaching staff and education workers are being advised to book places as soon as possible.

The Word Live is being organised in partnership with District of Easington Council through its successful Pride in Easington campaign, with the support of Durham County Council Education in the Community Easington area and District of Easington Youth Forum.

Coun George Patterson, Chairman of the Pride in Easington steering group, said: “The Pride campaign aims to make life in the district better in a wide range of ways, from approving the appearance of the area to stamping out anti-social behaviour.

"Addressing the issues around racism and intolerance is just another important part of creating a more welcoming and harmonious communities in which to live and work."

The Word, who are based at Thornhill School Business and Enterprise College, perform their energetic rap and hip hop shows with a live backing band.

Their positive urban music covers topics ranging from discrimination, bullying and racism in society and sport to world faiths and respect for difference.

Amer Sheikh, of the Word, said: “We are honoured by the invitation to perform at the Glebe Centre. We have been fortunate enough to have done some important work with more than 50,000 young people throughout the country but being able to showcase our performance in District of Easington will be very special.

“We hope the event will prove to be a celebration of the rich diversity in our region and that the message of respect for difference will be clear to all who attend. The us of positive rap music and lyrics performed to a live band will hopefully inspire and motivate the young people of the district.”

Performances will take place from 9.45am to 11.30am and from 1pm to 2.45pm on Wednesday, 11 February.

To book places contact the Pride in Easington team on (0191) 527 0501 or e.mail pride@easington.gov.uk