Culturally Diverse Hub
Tackling race inequalities and ensuring the voices of culturally diverse communities are heard by decision makers in Leeds.
Mission
To become a trusted advocate of change within the Leeds district by championing direct action to eradicate racial inequalities in Leeds.
We collaborate with decision makers and allies to amplify and platform the voices of culturally diverse communities, ensuring their perspectives inform key decisions and initiatives that impact the equitable development of Leeds.
Vision
A city-wide effort to empower culturally diverse communities to influence and improve services and policy that makes Leeds a beacon of social equity, done properly.
Values
Our values define who we are and what we need to live by to successfully achieve our mission.
- Community-centred: a focused yet enjoyable space where all community voices are welcomed. Amplifying community voices and sharing relevant information and funding opportunities with the wider membership
- We only win together in partnership: we work collaboratively with organisations that align with our mission and vision and who have the passion to redesign services and develop policy within Leeds. We always share success together, recognising we all have a key part to play
- Respect: a respectful environment that provides a safe place for all to express opinions on challenging issues and feel heard/seen.
- Solutions-minded: a collaborative environment that supports problem-solving. Identifying challenges and creating positive frameworks to address this
- We make a difference every day: we have a real passion for identifying and addressing issues in culturally diverse communities. We also have a can-do attitude when overcoming potential obstacles.
Developing community and organisational leadership: when our members grow, we grow, so we make sure to nurture leadership in communities and grassroots organisations by identifying gaps in knowledge and providing resources or training to address it.
Who we are and what we do
At the Culturally Diverse Hub, our membership is open to individuals from, and organisations led by, culturally diverse communities, as well as allies committed to tackling racial inequalities and inequities in Leeds. For more information on how you can become a member, sign up for our bulletin below.
The work of the Hub is shaped by the input of people from culturally diverse communities. We have a group of dedicated individuals known as ‘Hub Reps’ who help decide our priorities for action and set out the work we will undertake. These Hub Reps meet regularly to discuss progress and determine the next steps.
Interested in becoming a Hub Rep? Click here.
Our Hub is a partnership between Leeds City Council and all local culturally diverse communities. We are also supported by Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL). We are committed to addressing the issues of racial inequities and actively work to challenge racism, prejudice and discrimination at all levels.
The work of the Hub is shaped by the input of people from culturally diverse communities. We have a group of dedicated individuals known as ‘Hub Reps’ who help decide our priorities for action and set out the work we will undertake. These Hub Reps meet regularly to discuss progress and determine the next steps.
Interested in becoming a Hub Rep? Click here.
Our Hub is a partnership between Leeds City Council and all local culturally diverse communities. We are also supported by Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL). We are committed to addressing the issues of racial inequities and actively work to challenge racism, prejudice and discrimination at all levels.
How we work
We work across 3 priority areas identified by hub members; our projects fall under these areas; however, we are adaptable to handle any challenges that may come up.
- Health and Wellbeing
- Arts and Culture
- Education, Training and Employment
In line with the hub’s principles, the Hub regards communities as valued stakeholders and operates with a co-design/production approach, focusing on creating measurable and sustainable tailored solutions. We collaborate with organisations that are fully committed to the long-term task of tackling systemic racism.
The Culturally Diverse Hub also supports Leeds City Council and other public sector organisations to find out what culturally diverse communities think before decisions are made for the city.
The Culturally Diverse Hub also supports Leeds City Council and other public sector organisations to find out what culturally diverse communities think before decisions are made for the city.
Join the network
Join us at the Culturally Diverse Hub as we collaborate with organisations and communities to challenge racism, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change in Leeds.
If you’re interested and would like an informal chat about how you can get involved, contact Abigail Olaleye, Project Worker:
If you’re interested and would like an informal chat about how you can get involved, contact Abigail Olaleye, Project Worker:
Sign up to the mailing list
Get regular updates from this network by adding yourself to their mailing list. The Culturally Diverse Hub is coordinated by VAL, you can sign up for this and more of their managed lists here:
Recent Projects
Check out what we’ve been up to!
Police Race Action Plan
- The Culturally Diverse Hub (CDH) facilitated a number of community conversations between communities in Chapeltown and police officers, to discuss and give feedback on the Police Race Action Plan in West Yorkshire.
- Communities told us they needed the police to acknowledge the unfair way Black people in Chapeltown had been policed. The CDH organised a reconciliation event in Chapeltown with Chief Constable John Robins and other senior police officers.
- West Yorkshire Police committed to giving the CDH regular updates on progress with the action plan, which we share through our bulletin.
Read the latest update from West Yorkshire Police on the Police Race Action Plan.
Shifting Perspectives
The CDH recently supported Leeds Arts Galleries’ project ‘Shifting Perspectives’, which explores representations of people of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage in the Gallery’s collection, with art dating from the seventeenth century to the present day.
It examined how people were stereotyped, othered, and unequal power relations normalised. The exhibition centred discussion, with a conversation table and comment cards displayed. Visitor comments included:
It examined how people were stereotyped, othered, and unequal power relations normalised. The exhibition centred discussion, with a conversation table and comment cards displayed. Visitor comments included:
- “Insightful and frank exhibition. Love the community voices and not just the gallery’s perspective. Feels like it could be a permanent fixture of the gallery.”
- “Amazing- we need so much more of this art. It is relevant – on point and guides one to think of their own historical perspectives. This is the first time my son has identified in a real way with art. He said: ‘He looks like me, same hair. This is what my ancestors looked like’. He’s 9 years old. Thank you for this installation.”
- “This is liberating. It shines a big bright spotlight on those who were shared into the shadows. Bring them back to life, let us celebrate them and not ignore but acknowledge the past. Our past. Everyone’s past.”
Race Equality Progress Report
The Culturally Diverse Hub holds an annual event, inviting wider partners from across the city to update members on work happening to challenge racism. This year, we heard from:
- “Insightful and frank exhibition. Love the community voices and not just the gallery’s perspective. Feels like it could be a permanent fixture of the gallery.”
- “Amazing- we need so much more of this art. It is relevant – on point and guides one to think of their own historical perspectives. This is the first time my son has identified in a real way with art. He said: ‘He looks like me, same hair. This is what my ancestors looked like’. He’s 9 years old. Thank you for this installation.”
- “This is liberating. It shines a big bright spotlight on those who were shared into the shadows. Bring them back to life, let us celebrate them and not ignore but acknowledge the past. Our past. Everyone’s past.”
The written report following this event will be available here shortly.
Join us at the Culturally Diverse Hub as we collaborate with organisations and communities to challenge racism, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change in Leeds.
Join us at the Culturally Diverse Hub as we collaborate with organisations and communities to challenge racism, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change in Leeds.
Training and learning
All trainingNothing is listed at the moment. Check back soon.
