At a Sunderland council meeting on Wednesday 16 September, the Leader of Sunderland City Council withdrew support for Wear Red Day 2026. This is an anti-racist initiative that was established twelve years ago by Show Racism the Red Card. The initiative is said to give “an opportunity for people across the UK to demonstrate their commitment to anti-racism and stand in solidarity with individuals and communities targeted by racism”.
Since the initiative was established in 2012, Sunderland City Council have shown their support by promoting positive anti-racism messages and also by lighting important cultural and community assets red. It was clear from statements made during the meeting on 16 September made it clear that no such support will be in place this year.
Show Racism the Red Card has argued that at a time when racism is on the increase throughout the Europe, both here in the UK and across Europe, support the work of anti-racism organisations in general and for initiatives like Wear Red Day in particular is more important than ever. Show racism the red Card go on to argues that such support demonstrates “visible solidarity with those who face racism and prompting conversations about the treatment of people based on aspects of their identity”.
Chief Executive of Show Racism the Red Card, Ged Gebby commented: “Show Racism the Red Card has worked with Sunderland City Council throughout its 30 year history, and are proud of the charity’s North East roots. We are disappointed in the statement made by the Leader of Sunderland City Council stating that they will not be supporting Wear Red Day this year.
“In our experience, the people of Sunderland have traditionally demonstrated a welcoming, inclusive and anti-racist attitude, and believe it is important that voters see this decision as further evidence that the Council are unsupportive of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives”.
Wear Red Day will still take place in Sunderland on Friday 16 October and Show Racism the Red Card will be encouraging businesses and schools to show their support for the initiative by signing up.
It was also noted that Sunderland AFC have responded very positively and made it clear that they will continue to support Wear Red Day and the work of Show Racism the Red Card generally.
Following this decision, Show Racism the Red Card is calling on campaign supporters and other local authorities to keep supporting Wear Red Day. In this way, they can “send a message to minoritised communities that racism in all its forms should continue to be challenged, both through education and demonstrations of allyship in the face of current hostilities.”
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