Unite the People for A Future Beyond Racism

Aim

Unite the People is building a cultural movement to oppose the rise of far-right division and hate. We aim to create a Future Beyond Racism.

Why Now?

Communities across the country are expressing fear and concern as a result of far-right threats, intimidation and violence - including rape and murder. 

Birmingham and the West Midlands are proudly diverse and inclusive. Birmingham and other midlands cities are Cities of Sanctuary for refugees. We cannot allow a tiny minority of violent racists to spread white-supremacist lies, anti-migrant rhetoric, division and hate.  Instead, we aim to unite the majority who love social justice, peace and who celebrate diversity.

Our City, Our Streets

Birmingham is one of the most diverse cities in the UK. It was shaped and built over generations by migration and the contributions of communities from across the world.

Out of this rich multicultural mix came globally recognised names in music, comedy, dance, poetry, visual arts and food. These artists put Brum on the map, and many stood at the forefront of anti-racist and progressive culture.

In previous times of increasing far-right division, social movements used music, education and collective action to bring people together and challenge hate.

Unite the People (UTP) is drawing on that legacy to build a new cultural movement for today.

Who Are We?

UTP was formed by Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG - a registered charity), Stand Up to Racism Birmingham and King Heath United Against Racism. UTP is a not-for-profit network, run by volunteers and open to anyone who supports our vision of social and racial justice, peace and a future beyond racism.

We are part of the rapidly growing united front, standing against the billionaire-funded far-right groups and networks who scapegoat migrants and people of colour to distract from the real causes of inequality and injustice.

What We Will Deliver

Unite the People will deliver a city-wide programme to engage more people, build momentum and deliver impact, including: 

• A City-Wide Festival every year, showcasing Birmingham’s diversity, unity and creativity
• A Young People’s Programme - Supporting young people to develop their skills in leadership, organising and critical thinking, and to promote a new generation of artists
• Educational Workshops and panel sessions on anti-racist history, media literacy and community organising
• Unite the People Launch Concert, 2nd May 2026 - A major celebration aligned with International Workers’ Day, bringing together music, culture and community voices

How Your Donation Will Be Used

Your generosity will help UTP reach and involve more people, run bigger and better events and support more artists across all genres - music, spoken word, visual arts, theatre, podcasts, video etc. Specifically, we need funds for:

• Arts and cultural events which bring people together
• A young people’s programme
• Artist, speaker and facilitator fees and production costs for major events
• Workshop materials and educational resources
• Community outreach
• Volunteer support 

Our Impact 

• Thousands of people coming together at major public events
• Hundreds of people engaging in workshops and online / in-person forums
• A stronger network of communities and organisations
• A new generation of young leaders supported and mentored
• A lasting cultural movement rooted in unity and solidarity
• Stronger support for long term eradication of structural and systemic racism

Getting and Staying Involved

Our strength is in collective action. As well as donating, you can help build the movement by:

• Sharing this campaign with your personal networks and workplace
• Join our mailing list for news about UTP events and promotions
• Encouraging participation in your community
• Follow and support UTP on Instagram and Facebook
• Volunteer some of your skills and time to help deliver our programme 

Thank you!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th June 2026 at 11:59pm