Neriah’s Powerful Words Move Crowd at Downing Street

Neriah, a student from Highlands School, was celebrated at Downing Street as the overall winner of the 2025 Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) School Competition in England. Her award-winning creative writing entry earned her not only first place in the Year 10+ Artwork and Creative Writing category but also the prestigious Jo Cox Memorial Award.

The Interim CEO of Jo Cox Foundation, Will Fletcher, shares his message to Neriah:

“Neriah, on behalf of all of us at The Jo Cox Foundation, I’d like to congratulate you on winning this year’s Show Racism the Red Card School Competition Jo Cox Memorial Award.

Jo passionately believed in equality and justice for all, underpinned by her core belief that we have more in common than that which divides us. When we read your entry we were struck by the passion and power in your words and your rallying cry to tackle racism. We don’t doubt that Jo would have been moved too, and it would have inspired her to keep fighting for the fairer world that she so longed to see”

A Spoken Word Performance That Stole the Show
Closing out the Hall of Fame event, Neriah delivered her powerful spoken word piece – the same entry that won the competition. Her moving words left attendees stunned, inspired, and in tears, with many calling it the highlight of the night. 

Take a listen to ‘I Used to Hate Being Black’ by Neriah:

A few attendees shared their reactions to Neriah’s words:

“Having attended the schools competition this year I was struck by the passion, art and lived experience the young people put into their submissions. They were all deserving of their awards and it is so inspiring to see so many young people striving to combat racism. I was moved to tears many times. As overall winner, Neriah read with pure grace as she eloquently shared her experiences and perceptions. She moved many to tears with her spoken word; a truly inspirational winner!”

Sam Dennis, Strategic Director at Derby City Council & SRtRC Trustee

“One of the most moving moments of the event was the recitation of the poem “I Used to Hate Being Black,” written by this year’s School Competition winner, Neriah. Her powerful words cut through the air and settled deep within us. When children speak to the pain of racism with such clarity and truth, it becomes undeniable: anti-racism education must be embedded into all curriculums across England, Scotland, and Wales.”

Ericka Williams, ED&I Lead and Disability Access Officer at Nottingham Forest FC & SRtRC Trustee

“It was a real honour to attend 10 Downing Street as a Trustee of Show Racism the Red Card to celebrate this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The event powerfully reminded me why our mission to combat racism by empowering role models through educational workshops and resources is so critical. Racism sadly still persists in many parts of our society, and that makes our work to educate, challenge and inspire more essential than ever. I’m incredibly proud to be part of an organisation driving real change and equipping young people to build a more just and inclusive future.”

Patrick Cozier, SRtRC Trustee & Headteacher at Highgate Wood Secondary School

Though her spoken word resonated widely, Neriah shares that this experience also shifted her own perspective:

“Being invited to Downing Street was a surreal experience that I wasn’t expecting. To be recognized for my work in front of the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and a room full of acclaimed chairpersons, footballers, basketball players and rugby players is something that I will forever cherish. To see the reaction from people and the way I had inspired people was a life changing moment. This event has opened doors I didn’t know could open for me and has encouraged me to continue writing poetry. Applying to Show Racism the Red Card was the best decision I could’ve made. 

With my poem, my initial hope was to make people understand. For people who aren’t of colour, being black and the difficulties we face on a day to day basis isn’t their reality, but it is mine. I hope that from my spoken word, I’ve inspired all different kinds of people, that I’ve planted a seed in hearts for us to strive to do better. Whether that be in school, in workplaces or just in life. I hope people will think twice before they say an ugly comment or do an ugly thing because we may all look and be different but our hearts beat the same.”

Why Her Words Matter : Neriah’s work highlights the power of young voices in the fight against racism, proving that creativity can spark real change and our youth have the determination to push the awareness of anti-racism further. Her recognition at Downing Street cements her as not just a winner, but a future leader in the movement for equality and justice. 

02/06/2025. London, United Kingdom. Sarah Kilpatrick congratulates Overall Winner on powerful entry at Hall of Fame, Downing Street

Show Racism the Red Card couldn’t be prouder of our Overall Winner – and we know this is only the beginning for Neriah. Whatever path she chooses, her voice will continue to inspire her community and beyond.