Earlier this month, I attended a heartwarming ‘Community Celebration’ event at the Pavillion at Homestead Park in York. Held on a dusky autumn evening, the community event focused on creating a welcoming space for refugees and asylum seekers living in the city. The family-focused event was hosted by members of Food Not Bombs, York Interfaith Network, York Migrant Solidarity, York Palestine Assembly, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Extinction Rebellion York, my ‘home’ organisation.
Turning protest into partnership
While grounded in climate action and environmental protest, Extinction Rebellion York has shifted its focus and resources towards working with social action groups in response to increased hate crimes and racism in the city.
MP Rachael Maskell, Independent MP for York Central, has urged the House of Commons to support City of York Council to address intimidation in York. In lieu of central government directives and funding, grassroots organisers are stepping up to fill the gaps.
Grassroots strength in challenging times
Social action groups operate in high-pressure, emotional environments, but their reach can be impacted by strained resources and limited time. More often than not, the people involved in these groups are volunteers, with a lack of available funding. That’s why Extinction Rebellion York has teamed up with social action groups to offer resources, support, and solidarity. It’s also why working together is so vital at a time when militant far-right groups can draw on the coffers of wealthy backers.
At the event, I got chatting to Anirudh Unni of York Migrant Solidarity, who told me that community organising is more important than ever.
“We have a duty to ensure that there are welcoming spaces and resources for those that need them, and to honour the rich heritage of York as a multicultural trading centre”, they said. “We’re working with other social action groups across York to combat hate and racism in the city, and create inclusive spaces that we can be proud of.”
A spirit of collaboration
The celebration embodied the true spirit of connection and collaboration. Alongside the social action groups, I chatted to local faith leaders, representatives from the Trussell Trust, the director of York Community Energy, and Kate McLavern, co-founder of Story of the Changing. Kate shared that we need community-focused events now more than ever, to demonstrate the solidarity and interconnectedness of our communities in York.
“The event demonstrates the power of grassroots coalition and community-building – resourced in many ways; through food, art, play, song, and connection”, said Kate. “In a room where delicious smells mingled with many languages and laughter, I witnessed care as common ground, and left feeling a little more hopeful in these times of uncertainty.”
Care, comfort and connection
Importantly, every effort was made to help guests feel comfortable, with a prayer room and quiet room for rest and reflection. There were fun arts and crafts activities, and a shared meal catering for all dietary requirements. It was especially lovely to see children creating whacky artwork to take home as a memento of the celebration – and a reminder that they, and everyone else, are welcome here.
At a rough estimate, around 100 local people dropped in to take part in the activities and share in the delicious food. This included asylum seekers and refugees supported by Refugee Action York (RAY), as well as a number of RAY volunteers. I was warmed to hear the story of one woman, who’d arrived in York just days before, who was able to find the clothes and supplies she needed to find her feet after a deeply stressful journey. This story, and notes of thanks from the attendees, highlighted the immediate positive impact of the event.
Photos courtesy of event organisers
A city that welcomes
Shamim Eimaan, director of Eimaan Culture and Community Services and a refugee who came to York as a child in the 1980s, described the Community Celebration as, “a joyous, friendly event with so many people chatting, mingling and making connections”.
York needs more local events that strengthen community connections and celebrate cultural diversity in a city known for its multicultural roots. One such event will be held at York Unitarian Chapel on 23 November, at 11:00am – a space to share thoughts, readings, and poetry about what it means to truly welcome people in times of need.
