Tackling and ending racism through action and education to create a forward-thinking and actively anti-racist Cumbria; free from prejudice and systemic inequalities.

In Cumbria, in the year to March 2022 Home Office statistics evidenced a 28 per cent increase in recorded hate crimes. Sadly a person’s ‘race’ or ethnicity remains by far the most common motivator for a hate crime to be committed, more than half of Cumbria’s hate crimes are racially motivated. We believe we are at a turning point and that our beloved Cumbria has an historic opportunity to become the UK’s first actively anti-racist county. Together we can ensure that Cumbria works for every person equitably and equally. We can be part of the change for better. Read our Impact Reports from the past 2 years. 

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

James Baldwin

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Is it because I’m Black? Fetishisation, Preference and Desire

Is it because I’m Black? Fetishisation, Preference and Desire

I feel his eyes on me before I acknowledge him. It is a damp Saturday evening in Covid-era Manchester and I have nipped into my local supermarket, running errands in…
Beyond Suspicion, the Power of Curiosity, Community and Intersectional Lives

Beyond Suspicion, the Power of Curiosity, Community and Intersectional Lives

Bio: S Shah is a writer, facilitator, and filmmaker currently completing an MFA in cinematic arts in the United States. Prior to that, he worked as a trainer and facilitator…
The Invisible Human Cost of Racism in the NHS: “Healing in the System” Research Launch

The Invisible Human Cost of Racism in the NHS: “Healing in the System” Research Launch

Anti Racist Cumbria and Dr Temidayo Eseonu are very pleased to be sharing our research findings from Phase One of "The Invisible Human Cost of Racism in the NHS: Healing…
World Cup 2026: African Football for Beginners!

World Cup 2026: African Football for Beginners!

This piece was written by one of our ARC young people, at just 16 years old she plays for not one, but TWO Regional Football League teams! All whilst finishing…

Forward-thinking

Actively anti-racist

This incredible organisation has achieved more in its first year than some do over a decade. Not only are they working on a huge scale with industries and organisations across their county that will mark changes in infrastructure and policies around racism, but they also touch the lives of the people in their communities on a daily basis.

No organisation has done as much to raise the bar for black and brown people in Cumbria. In my 40 years living in the County ARC have, in the last couple of years, challenged us all who live here to do more and do better.

Anti-Racist Cumbria is doing a great job opening up discussion around issues of racism in a fairly hard to reach community. There was a huge gap and they are more than filling it with intelligent and well-argued views and new ways for people to think about how racism permeates our lives.

I truly believe Anti Racist Cumbria is making a difference in our county. To come so far in such a short time only proves how needed and how effective this organisation is. ARC deserves recognition for all of the hard work and effort they put into affecting change in our schools and institutions, making Cumbria a great place to live for us all.

It is hard to explain what a direct impact they are having across so many areas of life – in education, sport, business, culture to name a few. Their way of working is positive and warm – there is a strong message, but they reach out, educate and explain. They stand out in this region not only for their values, but for the speed at which they’ve achieved so much and made a difference to so many.

Anti racist cumbria has changed my life. I apply a whole new perspective to my relationships, professional and personal. The charity has opened my eyes to other ways of being – allowing me to recognise the lens I use to see the world. I am better able to recognise inequality and feel empowered to change the world for the better through conversations and positive action.

Anti Racist Cumbria Is Supported by…