How to be an activist in Newcastle: a personal journey

Last year, I was afraid. This year, my fear has slowly faded. This year, a new side of the city has unveiled itself to me. I have fully immersed myself in the world of activism in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

When I started university last year, I was a timid first-year struggling to deal with the challenge of living away from my birth country for the first time. Even then, in the midst of starting a new chapter of my life far away from my friends and family, I felt the desire to join the activism scene in Newcastle. However, my fear of doing so alone held me back, and despite walking by numerous protests and gatherings for various causes, I never found the courage to join in. This year, I decided to change that. Since October 2023, I have been actively attending countless of events, and now, I am here to recount this colourful journey through the vast world of Newcastle’s activism.

My first steps towards activism were taken at Newcastle University’s clubs and societies fair in late September 2023. Walking past by various stalls, my attention was immediately captured by a stall adorned with bright yellow and black. The colours of Amnesty International.

Even with my previously limited knowledge in activism, this was an organisation I was familiar with, albeit only from an outsider’s perspective. In their own words, Amnesty International is ‘a global movement of more than 10 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights’.

This is where my journey began.

Standing in front of Amnesty International Society‘s stall, I have decided. Unlike last year, my interest would not end with taking a few of their flyers adorned with their distinctive logo. This time, I was determined to join and become an active member of the society, even if I had to embark on this journey alone. 

As I promised myself, so I did. Soon, I was regularly attending Amnesty’s meetings, socials and other events. And while I had to take the first steps towards activism by myself, I was not alone anymore. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by many like-minded people engaged in activism, and with this newly acquired support system, a whole new world opened its gates to me.

Gradually, my reluctance and fear started to fade, and before long, I was attending events taking place across Newcastle every single week. Throughout this period, I have come to think of Newcastle as a city that is brimming with activism, offering countless of opportunities for getting involved.

Lewi El-Hawari, the president of Amnesty International Society, highlighted the variety of Newcastle’s activism, saying:

“There are lots of different types of activism in Newcastle. There is something for everyone.”

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It is impossible to talk about my semester of activism without mentioning the current happenings that have had a significant impact on activism all over the world, with Newcastle being no exception. Since the start of the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, activism in the city has noticeably become much more focused and intense. Many people do not hesitate to express their clear position on the ongoing situation.

Yunus Bakhsh from North East Against Racism, who is a prominent figure in Newcastle’s activism, said:

“The genocide that’s taking place now in Gaza is something that should concern everybody.”

The people of Newcastle have been tirelessly taking action in support of Palestine in the form of protests, vigils, fundraisers and more. The city has become incredibly active in its fight for Palestine.

The secretary of Amnesty International Society, Darla Sullivan, praised Newcastle people’s initiative, saying:

“Newcastle has really impressed me with how responsive it’s been. One Palestine protest that we went to was one of the biggest protests I’ve seen in Newcastle in the four years that I’ve been here.”

I have personally witnessed and attended many events for the Palestinian cause, one of them being the Palestine Food Fest. 

Although in the past three months, activism in Newcastle has indeed been largely centred around the support for Palestine, activism focusing on other causes has not simply disappeared. I have found myself at numerous events focusing on LGBTQ+ rights, the environment, women’s rights and more.

This semester has been truly eye opening for me and I have come to appreciate the city of Newcastle for its activism community that is incredibly engaged in fighting for its beliefs. To anyone who has found themselves in the same situation I was in last year, do not be afraid to reach out. After making the first step, you will not be left alone. And, if you’re a student, make the most of your university environment.

“When you’re a student, it’s a really good time, because never in your life you can have this much access to different groups and this much spare time. In Newcastle, we have groups for almost anything. You can join a really general one like Amnesty or the specific ones about environment, sexual violence against women, and more.”

– Darla Sullivan

Phoebe Plummer from Just Stop Oil, who is continuing their fight against new oil, coal and gas, shared a sentiment that particularly struck with me in the broader context of all activism, no matter for what cause.

“What kind of power do we have? I mean, it’s kind of obvious, isn’t it? Civil resistance has always been the people’s greatest tool in achieving social change.”

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To get involved in fighting for your beliefs and to experience this important aspect of Newcastle, follow:

• LGBT+ Northern Social Group
• Newcastle Palestine Solidarity
• Newcastle Uni Extinction Rebellion Society
• Newcastle University’s Amnesty International Society
• North East Against Racism

Do not be afraid to reach out.

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