In August 2024, the UK witnessed a series of race riots that left communities shaken and questions hanging in the air; questions about justice, belonging, identity and how we live together. For many young people across the country, these events were not just something they saw on the news, they were personal. They sparked conversations in school corridors, at bus stops, around dinner tables and online. Conversations filled with confusion, sadness and hope. From Both Sides was created in response to that moment. A poetry project piloting in Manchester, creating a space for young people to express what community means to them, where they feel they belong and how their identity is shaped by the world around them. Over the course of 6 weeks, students across three high-schools discussed at great length their perspectives on racism, islamophobia, the refugee crisis and how violence is perpetuated and used against communities to cause further divide. The wonderful poems and artwork in this zine, created by the students are honest and full of feeling. A shared effort to speak the truth, in hopes of understanding one another and building community. The title From Both Sides is about holding space. It reminds us that behind every headline is a person, a story, a lived experience.
In this magazine
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- A YOUNG IDENTITY SCHOOL PROJECTFROM BOTH SIDES 1
- A YOUNG IDENTITY SCHOOL PROJECTFROM BOTH SIDES 3
- FOREWARDIn August 2024, the UK witnessed a series of race riots that left communities shaken and questions hanging in the air; questions about justice, belonging, identity and how we live together. For many young people across the country, these events were not just something they saw on the news, they were personal. They sparked conversations in school corridors, at bus stops, around dinner tables and online. Conversations filled with confusion, sadness and hope. From Both Sides was created in response to that moment. A poetry project piloting in Manchester, creating a space for young people to express what community means to them, where they feel they belong and how their identity is shaped by the world around them.
- Page 6They also worked with graphic designer Billie Meredith to create the wonderful art work contained in this zine. The poems and art work in this zine are honest and full of feeling. A shared effort to speak the truth, in hopes of understanding one another and building community. The title From Both Sides is about holding space. It reminds us that behind every headline is a person, a story, a lived experience. Their words remind us that identity isn’t something simple, it’s shifting and shaped by forces often beyond our control.
- Page 7MEA CENTRAL
- Page 9Community is friendship. A shoulder to cry on, a person to laugh with. Community is family. A hot cooked meal. A fun day out. A city without discrimination is one with diversity and no hate within it. My Manchester has fully fed children and no one is sleeping on the streets. A city where skin colour means nothing - no one is black or white. My manchester has equality, rights for everyone and patriarchy is abolished.
- Page 10Discrimination, The weapon that separates. Discrimination, Why do we hate so? Charly
- Page 11Racism is bad We should stop it Discrimination is harsh We should block it We should stop issues That are caused by this We need to fight For what is right Anaya
- My Manchester will have no knife crime Immigrants can thriveNo litter No homeless people No illegal items or substances permitted More activities for kids Free things for young people
- Page 13CO-OP ACADEMY
- Page 1414
- Page 15Freedom in the air Every place is vibrant With diversity Lights up every corner The sound of this joy is sweet Yihui
- Page 16My world would be better if… My skin was as radiant as snow If there was moonlight emanating from within me If my body was as small as the ones I see on TV If I had the most spectacular turquoise eyes If only my hair was disguised in the sunlight If it seemingly blended in the yellow iridescent rays If only I was her.
- Page 17My eyes which have been fixated on my body Which is desperately trying to fit into every single sentence society stated before I could blink. The world continues at war. People who live in the same country Share similar ideas and cultures Turn on each other. Simply because of capitalism.
- Page 18My world would be better if parliament cared, if our MPs were not arrogant, if our city was a green city. Sandul
- Page 19My Manchester promotes diversity, inclusivity, difference and acceptance My Manchester funds the youth, funds social services, funds the elderly, and every little positive My Manchester is for the people
- Page 20Yihui 20
- Page 2121 Yihui
- “They’re all dead.” “They’re all dead?” “Yes.”Not every story has a happy ending. In the phone call between the Red Crescent and Layan, multiple gun shots rang out with the screams of the 15 year old. After that, everything went silent. Layan’s life was taken from her, and her final words were caught right in that phone call.
- “Come get me, the tank is getting close!”The phone call went on for 3 hours. The two paramedics, Yusuf Al-Zeino and Ahmed Al- Madhoun, were in search of Hind. They were stopped at first by the IDF, but were later given the green light to go. It was dark, and they couldn’t see anything so they turned on their lights and right when they told the dispatchers that they could see Hind’s car, bullets were fired, killing the both of them. For twelve days Hind was labeled ‘missing’ and once she was found, she was already gone. Today, Hind Rajab would have been seven years old and in a few years she would have been a dentist like she always wished for.
- Page 24Racism the very reason for conflict. The wall separating all.
- ST PAULS CATHOLICHIGH SCHOOL
- Page 2626
- Page 27This world is better There’s no discrimination We are all human Schools are full of all races We’re all happy in this world In this better world No one is homophobic No one’s transphobic People feel accepted here To be who they want to be
- I am made of many partsThese range from reading to gaming It’s me and myself I am sure there could be Others like me But none exactly As unique. Scarlett
- Page 29I am made up of many parts. I go to football 5 times a week. On Tuesday and Sunday, I coach little kids from 3-5 years old and 6-9 years old. I have also begun leading 1-1 sessions with kids as well and I think this is a huge success for me because I am making a difference in my community and I am only young.
- I am AdrianI have been a gym bro for 1 year and 2 months. I play basketball. I like skipping rope. I like video games. I love kebab. I love steak. I am from Iran I love cars - 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 992.2 I love bikes, I love e-bikes, I love M+B, I love my parents.
- Page 31I love drama I go gym every Saturday and Sunday I am smart I love BLT’s and Chicken Tikka Curry I like spiders and bugs I have two turtles I have an English and French bulldog I have never been on a plane I have taken part in 21 plays (including musicals) I have been christened I love fruit Alfie
- Page 32My perfect Manchester would be Without racism, sexism, ableism and homophobia It would be accepting and inclusive welcoming all different types of people Full of trees and plants all green and clear Without litter Without any violence or crimes Sunny and bright Very supportive Full of different religions and races Full of different ethnic minorities A fair and just society Lucie
- diversity, inclusivity, difference and acceptanceMy perfect Manchester; No non kitchen knives allowed No vaping or smoking Limited alcohol consumption Cleaner and greener environment Affordable healthy food for ALL A 4 day week for school and work A limited access to social media for those under 16 No drugs No harm No bullying Always LOVE Orla
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThis project would not have been possible without the support of the following individuals. Channique Sterling Brown Haiesha Mistry Billie Meredith Kirsten Kendrick Haamid Iqbal Ali Al Jamri
- Page 3535
- Page 36Participating Schools: St Paul’s Catholic High School MEA Central (Manchester Enterprise Academy) Co-op Academy Manchester 36
Read this magazine as text
CoverA YOUNG IDENTITY SCHOOL PROJECT
FROM BOTH SIDES 1
FROM BOTH SIDES
Page 2
2
Page 3A YOUNG IDENTITY SCHOOL PROJECT
FROM BOTH SIDES 3
FROM BOTH SIDES
Page 4
4
Page 5FOREWARD
In August 2024, the UK witnessed a series of race riots that left communities shaken and questions hanging in the air; questions about justice, belonging, identity and how we live together. For many young people across the country, these events were not just something they saw on the news, they were personal. They sparked conversations in school corridors, at bus stops, around dinner tables and online. Conversations filled with confusion, sadness and hope. From Both Sides was created in response to that moment. A poetry project piloting in Manchester, creating a space for young people to express what community means to them, where they feel they belong and how their identity is shaped by the world around them.
In August 2024, the UK witnessed a series of race riots that left communities shaken and questions hanging in the air; questions about justice, belonging, identity and how we live together. For many young people across the country, these events were not just something they saw on the news, they were personal. They sparked conversations in school corridors, at bus stops, around dinner tables and online. Conversations filled with confusion, sadness and hope.
From Both Sides was created in response to that moment. A poetry project piloting in Manchester, creating a space for young people to express what community means to them, where they feel they belong and how their identity is shaped by the world around them.
Over the course of 6 weeks, students across three highschools discussed at great length their perspectives on racism, islamophobia, the refugee crisis and how violence is perpetuated and used against communities to cause further divide. They heard first hand from professionals Channique Sterling Brown and Haiesha Mistry, both actors from the arts industry about the impact of these societal issues.
Page 6
They also worked with graphic designer Billie Meredith to create the wonderful art work contained in this zine. The poems and art work in this zine are honest and full of feeling. A shared effort to speak the truth, in hopes of understanding one another and building community. The title From Both Sides is about holding space. It reminds us that behind every headline is a person, a story, a lived experience. Their words remind us that identity isn’t something simple, it’s shifting and shaped by forces often beyond our control.
They also worked with graphic designer Billie Meredith to create the wonderful art work contained in this zine. The poems and art work in this zine are honest and full of feeling. A shared effort to speak the truth, in hopes of understanding one another and building community.
The title From Both Sides is about holding space. It reminds us that behind every headline is a person, a story, a lived experience. Their words remind us that identity isn’t something simple, it’s shifting and shaped by forces often beyond our control.
As producer and lead facilitator of this wonderful project, I am incredibly grateful to Manchester City Council and Young Identity for funding and supporting this important work. Their belief in the power of youth voice made these workshops and this zine possible.
To the young writers who contributed: your courage and creativity shine through. You have used poetry and art to find clarity in confusion, thank you for trusting me with your words. To you, the reader: we hope you engage with this zine openly and generously. Let these poems remind you that young people are not just the future, they are the present and they have something urgent to say.
Nasima Bee Producer, Lead Facilitator
Page 7
MEA CENTRAL
MEA
CENTRAL
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8
Page 9
Community is friendship. A shoulder to cry on, a person to laugh with. Community is family. A hot cooked meal. A fun day out. A city without discrimination is one with diversity and no hate within it. My Manchester has fully fed children and no one is sleeping on the streets. A city where skin colour means nothing - no one is black or white. My manchester has equality, rights for everyone and patriarchy is abolished.
Community is friendship. A shoulder to cry on, a person to laugh with. Community is family. A hot cooked meal. A fun day out.
A city without discrimination is one with diversity and no hate within it. My Manchester has fully fed children and no one is sleeping on the streets. A city where skin colour means nothing - no one is black or white. My manchester has equality, rights for everyone and patriarchy is abolished.
The world would be better if racism didn’t exist, patriarchy was no more, animal testing ended, a better diet for people, with access to food, climate justice and the skies were finally blue again.
River
Page 10
Discrimination, The weapon that separates. Discrimination, Why do we hate so? Charly
Discrimination, The weapon that separates. Discrimination, Why do we hate so?
Charly
Discrimination Without, the world would be great Reduce the violence The increase of confidence Opportunities, given
Nevaeh
Page 11
Racism is bad We should stop it Discrimination is harsh We should block it We should stop issues That are caused by this We need to fight For what is right Anaya
Racism is bad We should stop it Discrimination is harsh We should block it We should stop issues That are caused by this We need to fight For what is right
Anaya
Cricket is my life I go to the cricket club I love to keep fit I play cricket with my friends This is my community
Azhar
Page 12My Manchester will have no knife crime Immigrants can thrive
No litter No homeless people No illegal items or substances permitted More activities for kids Free things for young people
No litter No homeless people No illegal items or substances permitted
More activities for kids Free things for young people
No scammers
If you are severely struggling This is your community This is our community
Nevaeh
Page 13
CO-OP ACADEMY
- CO-OP
- ACADEMY
- MANCHESTER
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14
Page 15
Freedom in the air Every place is vibrant With diversity Lights up every corner The sound of this joy is sweet Yihui
Freedom in the air Every place is vibrant With diversity Lights up every corner The sound of this joy is sweet
Yihui
Two boys are different One white, one mixed race The white well received The mixed quite the opposite I really don't get that Let’s get into it They are very similar But physically Many segregate them both Honestly that’s annoying
Maisie
Page 16
My world would be better if… My skin was as radiant as snow If there was moonlight emanating from within me If my body was as small as the ones I see on TV If I had the most spectacular turquoise eyes If only my hair was disguised in the sunlight If it seemingly blended in the yellow iridescent rays If only I was her.
My world would be better if… My skin was as radiant as snow If there was moonlight emanating from within me If my body was as small as the ones I see on TV If I had the most spectacular turquoise eyes If only my hair was disguised in the sunlight If it seemingly blended in the yellow iridescent rays
If only I was her.
If only eyes were fixated on me as I walked past For me, a world without racism Is a world so far away from me. A figment of people’s imagination Of an idealistic society that was already sabotaged to begin with.
Yet somewhere deep in my mind I silently hope of this reality Because then the chains eroded in to my skin Could permanently let me go.
Page 17
My eyes which have been fixated on my body Which is desperately trying to fit into every single sentence society stated before I could blink. The world continues at war. People who live in the same country Share similar ideas and cultures Turn on each other. Simply because of capitalism.
My eyes which have been fixated on my body Which is desperately trying to fit into every single sentence society stated before I could blink.
The world continues at war. People who live in the same country Share similar ideas and cultures Turn on each other. Simply because of capitalism.
The world has always been in black and white It refuses even the smallest flash of colour So, isn’t the idea of a world without racism far-fetched?
Too dreamy.
Marvellous
Page 18
My world would be better if parliament cared, if our MPs were not arrogant, if our city was a green city. Sandul
My world would be better if parliament cared, if our MPs were not arrogant, if our city was a green city.
Sandul
My Manchester is a place where HOMOPHOBIA ABLEISM and RACISM actually STOP
Brooke
Page 19
My Manchester promotes diversity, inclusivity, difference and acceptance My Manchester funds the youth, funds social services, funds the elderly, and every little positive My Manchester is for the people
My Manchester promotes diversity, inclusivity, difference and acceptance My Manchester funds the youth, funds social services, funds the elderly, and every little positive
My Manchester is for the people
Alija
Page 20
Yihui 20
Yihui
Yihui
Page 21
21 Yihui
Yihui
Page 22“They’re all dead.” “They’re all dead?” “Yes.”
Not every story has a happy ending. In the phone call between the Red Crescent and Layan, multiple gun shots rang out with the screams of the 15 year old. After that, everything went silent. Layan’s life was taken from her, and her final words were caught right in that phone call.
Not every story has a happy ending. In the phone call between the Red Crescent and Layan, multiple gun shots rang out with the screams of the 15 year old. After that, everything went silent.
Layan’s life was taken from her, and her final words were caught right in that phone call.
“Hello… hello?”
The call stopped.
Shortly after, another call was made by Hind, who was in the same car as her cousin. Now she was the last remaining survivor. She begged for them down the phone.
Page 23“Come get me, the tank is getting close!”
The phone call went on for 3 hours. The two paramedics, Yusuf Al-Zeino and Ahmed Al- Madhoun, were in search of Hind. They were stopped at first by the IDF, but were later given the green light to go. It was dark, and they couldn’t see anything so they turned on their lights and right when they told the dispatchers that they could see Hind’s car, bullets were fired, killing the both of them. For twelve days Hind was labeled ‘missing’ and once she was found, she was already gone. Today, Hind Rajab would have been seven years old and in a few years she would have been a dentist like she always wished for.
The phone call went on for 3 hours. The two paramedics, Yusuf Al-Zeino and Ahmed Al- Madhoun, were in search of Hind. They were stopped at first by the IDF, but were later given the green light to go. It was dark, and they couldn’t see anything so they turned on their lights and right when they told the dispatchers that they could see Hind’s car, bullets were fired, killing the both of them.
For twelve days Hind was labeled ‘missing’ and once she was found, she was already gone. Today, Hind Rajab would have been seven years old and in a few years she would have been a dentist like she always wished for.
Marya
Page 24
Racism the very reason for conflict. The wall separating all.
Racism the very reason for conflict.
The wall separating all.
Stopping humans from living in peace and cooperation.
Sandul
Page 25ST PAULS CATHOLIC
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH
SCHOOL
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26
Page 27
This world is better There’s no discrimination We are all human Schools are full of all races We’re all happy in this world In this better world No one is homophobic No one’s transphobic People feel accepted here To be who they want to be
This world is better There’s no discrimination We are all human Schools are full of all races We’re all happy in this world
In this better world No one is homophobic No one’s transphobic People feel accepted here To be who they want to be
Maisie
Page 28I am made of many parts
These range from reading to gaming It’s me and myself I am sure there could be Others like me But none exactly As unique. Scarlett
These range from reading to gaming It’s me and myself I am sure there could be Others like me But none exactly As unique.
Scarlett
I am made up of many parts.
I love playing netball and rounders every week because I enjoy sports. I love all sports. I used to have a French bulldog but had to give him away. I have 4 sisters and no brothers. I love seeing and meeting up with my friends. I also love to call people. Me and Lacy love to play fight.
When I’m older, I want 3 kids. 2 boys and 1 girl and I want 2 big dogs. I love all animals except spiders or any type of bird.
Fraya
Page 29
I am made up of many parts. I go to football 5 times a week. On Tuesday and Sunday, I coach little kids from 3-5 years old and 6-9 years old. I have also begun leading 1-1 sessions with kids as well and I think this is a huge success for me because I am making a difference in my community and I am only young.
I am made up of many parts.
I go to football 5 times a week. On Tuesday and Sunday, I coach little kids from 3-5 years old and 6-9 years old. I have also begun leading 1-1 sessions with kids as well and I think this is a huge success for me because I am making a difference in my community and I am only young.
My brothers Oskar and Odin play football too. Odin always begs me to play football with him in the back garden and even on the days I am tired, I’ll play with him because I don’t like seeing either of my brothers upset.
My brother Oskar loves to lay in his games room all day. I am happy I have my brothers because if I didn’t have siblings, I don’t know what I’d do without them.
Phoebe
Page 30I am Adrian
I have been a gym bro for 1 year and 2 months. I play basketball. I like skipping rope. I like video games. I love kebab. I love steak. I am from Iran I love cars - 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 992.2 I love bikes, I love e-bikes, I love M+B, I love my parents.
I have been a gym bro for 1 year and 2 months. I play basketball. I like skipping rope. I like video games. I love kebab. I love steak. I am from Iran
I love cars - 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 992.2 I love bikes, I love e-bikes, I love M+B, I love my parents.
Adrian
I am Jaya Beckford
I like to sing and dance With all my friends during the day It’s fun!
Jaya
I love the ocean I love art I love fashion I love science I love history I love music I love outer space.
I dislike mornings I dislike sports I dislike onions I dislike my brother I dislike geography I dislike mess I dislike large crowds
Sometimes I dislike my brother.
Dominika
Page 31
I love drama I go gym every Saturday and Sunday I am smart I love BLT’s and Chicken Tikka Curry I like spiders and bugs I have two turtles I have an English and French bulldog I have never been on a plane I have taken part in 21 plays (including musicals) I have been christened I love fruit Alfie
I love drama I go gym every Saturday and Sunday I am smart I love BLT’s and Chicken Tikka Curry I like spiders and bugs I have two turtles I have an English and French bulldog I have never been on a plane I have taken part in 21 plays (including musicals) I have been christened I love fruit
Alfie
Hi, I like green apples And I also like strawberries Raspberries are also tasty Ravioli is a food I’ve never tried In my free time I listen to music Sometimes I draw and get creative On the go, I like to cook and eat pasta Nothing will ever make me give up.
Harrison
Page 32
My perfect Manchester would be Without racism, sexism, ableism and homophobia It would be accepting and inclusive welcoming all different types of people Full of trees and plants all green and clear Without litter Without any violence or crimes Sunny and bright Very supportive Full of different religions and races Full of different ethnic minorities A fair and just society Lucie
My perfect Manchester would be Without racism, sexism, ableism and homophobia It would be accepting and inclusive welcoming all different types of people Full of trees and plants all green and clear Without litter Without any violence or crimes Sunny and bright Very supportive Full of different religions and races Full of different ethnic minorities A fair and just society
Lucie
Page 33diversity, inclusivity, difference and acceptance
My perfect Manchester; No non kitchen knives allowed No vaping or smoking Limited alcohol consumption Cleaner and greener environment Affordable healthy food for ALL A 4 day week for school and work A limited access to social media for those under 16 No drugs No harm No bullying Always LOVE Orla
My perfect Manchester; No non kitchen knives allowed No vaping or smoking Limited alcohol consumption Cleaner and greener environment Affordable healthy food for ALL A 4 day week for school and work A limited access to social media for those under 16 No drugs No harm No bullying Always LOVE
Orla
Page 34ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project would not have been possible without the support of the following individuals. Channique Sterling Brown Haiesha Mistry Billie Meredith Kirsten Kendrick Haamid Iqbal Ali Al Jamri
This project would not have been possible without the support of the following individuals.
Channique Sterling Brown Haiesha Mistry Billie Meredith Kirsten Kendrick Haamid Iqbal Ali Al Jamri
Our funders Manchester City Council, the Young Identity team and the schools involved St Paul’s Catholic High School, MEA Central and Co-op Academy Manchester.
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Participating Schools: St Paul’s Catholic High School MEA Central (Manchester Enterprise Academy) Co-op Academy Manchester 36
Participating Schools: St Paul’s Catholic High School MEA Central (Manchester Enterprise Academy) Co-op Academy Manchester