Civic Centre to light up for Wear Red Day

Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism charity which launched in 1996 with the support of then Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

The former Magpie wanted to use his own experiences of racism to raise awareness of racial abuse and the charity continues to educate across the country almost 25 years on.

The charity holds its annual Wear Red Day to encourage schools, businesses and individuals to wear red and donate £1 to help fund anti-racism education for young people and adults across the UK.

Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Our city is renowned for being safe and welcoming to everyone and I’m really pleased we’re able to show our support to such a worthy cause.

“There can be no room for racism in our communities. It is completely unacceptable for people to be targeted simply for being themselves and I hope today we are able to spread that message far and wide.

“I hope as many people as possible will join me in wearing red on Friday and help ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ continue its work to educate people on the profound effects racism can have on people’s lives.

“The charity does great work in the community and in local schools. This is a cause with its origins in the North East and I hope Newcastle will continue to show that racism has no place in our city.”

If you wish to support Show Racism the Red Card, text 'RED' to 70470 to give £1, 'RED5' to give £5, 'RED10' to give £10 or 'RED20' to give £20.

Find out more at www.theredcard.org/wear-red-day