Young Voices Celebrated at First-Ever Shades Gathering

Young people, educators, church leaders and advocates for racial justice came together for the first-ever Shades Celebration Gathering, hosted at Trinity Church of England High School.

The event brought together Shades Ambassadors, children and young people, headteachers, clergy, parents and supporters from across the diocese to celebrate the growing impact of the Shades project in schools and church communities.

Centred around this year’s theme, “Amplifying Young Voices for Lasting Change”, the gathering offered a programme of workshops, discussions and activities designed to inspire action and deepen engagement with racial justice. Throughout the day, participants explored practical ways to challenge inequality and champion positive change in their own communities.

One of the highlights was an interactive podcast-style conversation featuring Shades Ambassadors, clergy, and diocesan staff. Their reflections and personal experiences sparked meaningful discussions and demonstrated the invaluable contribution young people are making to conversations about racial justice. Across the workshops, there was a strong sense of purpose, with participants sharing ideas, reflecting on challenges and identifying practical ways to build more inclusive communities.

A multicultural lunch proved a particular hit with younger attendees and many embraced the opportunity to sample dishes from different cultures, with one pupil commenting, “I’ve never eaten this food before and it’s delicious!”

The afternoon continued with a special service celebrating the achievements of the Shades Ambassadors. Young people shared examples of the initiatives they have been leading in their schools, highlighting the positive difference they are already making among their peers.

Canon Jill Pilling reflected on the hope that underpins the work of racial justice, while Mike Lonsdale, Headteacher of Bishop Bridgeman Primary School, shared examples of how diversity, inclusion and belonging are being embedded into everyday school life and why these values must remain central to every school community. Archdeacon Karen Best then encouraged those gathered to look to the future with confidence, recognising the remarkable leadership and potential of the younger generation.

The day concluded with the commissioning of the Shades Ambassadors by Bishop Mark Davies, celebrating their commitment to championing racial justice in their schools and communities. Addressing the newly commissioned ambassadors, he encouraged them to continue speaking up for racial justice, remain faithful to their calling and draw inspiration from the life and ministry of Jesus as they challenge racism wherever they encounter it.

The gathering was a powerful celebration of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to lead. It offered an inspiring reminder that lasting change is possible when young voices are heard, valued and empowered to help shape communities where everyone can belong and flourish.

To find out more about the Shades Project and how it is empowering young people to champion racial justice in schools and communities across the diocese, visit the Shades webpage or email shadesadmin@manchester.anglican.org.