In August 2025, the Angelou Centre and Project Resist released “Why Do I Have to Hide Away?”
Documenting the devastating impact of the 2024 far-right riots on Black, minoritised, and migrant women and children across the UK. This report is a stark reminder of the barriers faced by these communities, especially in times of political and social unrest.
The Angelou Centre, based in Newcastle, is a Black-led women’s organisation offering vital support to Black, minoritised, and migrant women and children through refuge housing, counselling, advocacy, and skills training. Project Resist, is a survivor-led national initiative focused on challenging systemic racism, patriarchy, and injustice through research, campaigning, and policy reform—amplifying the voices of those most affected by violence and marginalisation.
The ‘Why Do I Have To Hide Away’ Report was launched in August 2025, Faty Kane Executive Director The Angelou Centre, introduced the report, saying,
‘Stories of Colour was born from the painful reminder that we cannot fully operate in isolation from the racism, xenophobia and the growing hostility that shapes our political and social realities. And yet, those connections are too often ignored. The forces of inequality and oppression converge, harming our communities in sustained and cumulative ways.
Stories of Colour was created to bear witness to the events that unfolded – to honour lived experience, to support healing. And to demand meaningful change. It amplifies the voices of those most affected and challenges the silence, denial and inaction in a range of areas that often follow moments of racial and social crisis.’
The report highlights how the riots exacerbated existing inequalities, leading to increased racialised violence, displacement, and trauma. Women and children bore the brunt of these attacks, often forced into hiding or silence due to fear and lack of institutional support. The report also critiques the failure of mainstream services and government responses to adequately protect or even acknowledge the specific needs of minoritised groups.
“There is a default to racism and racialisation. The media has got worse since the riots – it’s become more extreme. Black and minoritised women are weaponised by the media, by the rioters and by the men in communities to get what they want, but who is listening to us?” Report exert, Staff Member.
The Angelou Centre and Project Resist call for urgent action: better safeguarding policies, culturally competent support services, and a commitment to anti-racist practice across all sectors. The voices in this report are not just testimonies of suffering—they are demands for justice, visibility, and change.
‘The report speaks clearly and powerfully. The experiences of black, minoritised, and migrant women and children are not isolated, and they resonate deeply with the realities faced by many more. The stories in the report demand attention, and their insights and recommendations must shape real, lasting change and shape the future of inclusive and equitable policy. It is time to listen, learn and act meaningfully and collaboratively to create lasting change.’ Erin Parker Leonard, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Represent Women
This report is a must-read for policymakers, activists, and anyone committed to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
📄 Read the full executive summary here
📄 Read the full report summary here