Seven months after the BBC News film that brought the experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic women in the North East into the public arena, we reflect on the impact of the project and why these voices still need to be heard.
In August 2024, riots and anti-immigration violence shook communities across the UK, including towns and cities in the North East. For many of the migrant and racially minoritised women supported by The Angelou Centre, those events were frightening and deeply unsettling.
In the immediate aftermath of the unrest, public debate focused largely on the violence itself, the political fallout and the wider national conversation about immigration and extremism. But the experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic women living in the affected communities were rarely heard.
At The Angelou Centre we support migrant and racially minoritised women who already face multiple challenges, including racism, discrimination, domestic abuse and social exclusion. In the weeks and months following the riots, many women told us they felt more fearful in their daily lives. Some described racist abuse and violent attacks in public spaces. Others spoke about feeling unsafe travelling alone or worrying about their children when they left the house.
Through our work exploring these experiences, including the Stories of Colour launch event and accompanying research Why Do I Have to Hide Away? it became clear that many women wanted their stories to be heard. Historically, the perspectives of migrant and racially minoritised women and children have often been overlooked or spoken about by others rather than heard directly.
That is why our collaboration with BBC journalist Sharuna Sagar was so important.
Before there was any talk of cameras, Sharuna spent time speaking with women who use the centre, listening to their experiences and building trust. Their experiences directly shaped the focus of the film, ensuring the story reflected the realities and concerns of the women themselves rather than a traditional news agenda. Many of the women who took part in the BBC film had never spoken to the media before. Some required anonymity and other safeguards in order to feel safe sharing their stories.
For several of the women involved, this was the first time they had spoken publicly about their experiences of racism and fear following the riots. Being able to tell their stories in their own words was an important moment of recognition and visibility.
The result was Stories of Colour, a BBC North East and Cumbria film that brought these experiences to a much wider audience. The film documented how the riots affected women living in the North East and explored the fear, racism and uncertainty many continue to face long after the disorder was no longer in the headlines.
The BBC coverage also helped strengthen The Angelou Centre’s wider campaign to ensure the experiences of migrant and minoritised women were recognised in coverage of the riots. By bringing these stories into the public arena, the film amplified the findings of our Why Do I Have to Hide Away? work and helped ensure that women’s perspectives were included in the wider debate about how communities recover from division and hostility.
For the women involved, speaking out required courage. Some were concerned about how their communities might react, while others worried about potential backlash or further discrimination. The careful and sensitive approach taken during the reporting process helped ensure that women could share their experiences safely and with dignity.
The impact of the coverage has been significant. The film helped shine a light on experiences that are often overlooked and contributed to more informed debate about racism, belonging and safety in communities across the region. Since it aired, it has been shared within community networks and organisations working on issues of equality and women’s safety.
We were therefore proud to see Stories of Colour winning the 2026 Royal Television Society North East and The Borders Broadcast Short Form Award, recognising the importance of telling these stories and the care taken in bringing them to the screen.
To mark this achievement and continue raising the profile of these issues, the BBC North East and Cumbria will host a special screening and celebration event in Newcastle bringing together contributors, community organisations and local audiences. The event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the film and the experiences shared by the women who took part, while continuing the dialogue about how communities can respond to the challenges highlighted.
At The Angelou Centre we believe it is essential that migrant and minoritised women are not left out of decision-making about the communities in which they live. Their experiences and perspectives are vital to building understanding and creating safer, more inclusive societies.
Stories of Colour helped bring these voices into the public consciousness. Our hope is that it will continue to encourage dialogue and action in the months and years ahead.