Community anti-racism conference in Horsham brings people together across differences

For the third year running, VOT Community Anti-Racism Conference brought people together across communities to mark UK Black History Month 2026.

Thursday, 22 October 2026 marked a powerful day of reflection, learning and community connection as people from across Horsham, Crawley, Sussex, London, Hertfordshire, Coventry and other parts of the Southeast came together for the 2026 VOT Community Anti-Racism Conference, held to mark UK Black History Month.

Presented by VOT Inclusive Communities CIC, the conference created a unique space for people from different professions, communities, cultures and backgrounds to come together for honest conversations about race, racism, anti-racism, identity, kindness and our shared humanity.

The day opened with a reflective and thought-provoking workshop led by conference host and founder Vivian Okeze-Tirado. The session explored the origins of Black History Month and the remarkable legacy of Dr Carter G. Woodson, widely recognised as the Father of Black History, while reflecting on why the continued recognition and celebration of Black history remains important today. In her workshop, Okeze-Tirado confronted some of the most difficult realities facing society today, including hate, racist and dehumanising narratives, and the continuing impact of race-related crimes. She emphasised that meaningful anti-racism begins with recognising our shared humanity, stressing that silence is not an option when people are repeatedly subjected to abuse, hate, oppression, discrimination, and dehumanisation in society. Vivian reminded delegates that racism affects society as a whole and encouraged everyone to consider the legacy being left for children, grandchildren and future generations. She called on individuals, organisations and communities to work together to reduce racism, challenge dehumanisation and, ultimately, strive towards a society that is safer, kinder and more inclusive. A key message was that lasting change often begins with ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things.

At the heart of the conference were the voices of people who volunteered to share their lived experiences, professional insights, personal journeys and creative work not to create division, but to encourage greater understanding, meaningful reflection and positive change.

One speaker delivered a powerful session entitled “Confessions of a Racist,” speaking openly about his experiences, learning and personal journey as a white man.

A London-based poet added another moving dimension to the conference by reciting poems inspired by the day's themes.

Another speaker presented “I Am Who I Am - Love Me or Hate Me,” exploring identity, humanity and kindness through profound personal life experiences.

The conference also heard valuable reflections and learning from within the medical profession, while another contributor courageously shared her experience of surviving a life-threatening, race-motivated attack while working within children social services.

Further reinforcing the day's message about difference, belonging and humanity, delegates also heard the original poem “The Other,” written by Vivian Okeze-Tirado and performed during the conference by her daughter.

But perhaps one of the day’s most important aspects was what happened between the presentations: the conversations.

Professionals, community members, faith representatives, political representatives and people from many different walks of life sat together, listened to one another, reflected and engaged in honest dialogue.

The conference welcomed delegates from across Horsham and the surrounding area, including representatives from Horsham District Council, Sussex Police, Horsham Labour Party and Horsham Neighbourhood Wardens, alongside delegates from Crawley and further afield. Some participants travelled considerable distances to attend, including from Hackney, Hertfordshire, South and North London and Coventry.

Their willingness to travel speaks to something important: there is a genuine appetite for safe and constructive spaces where people can come together across differences, listen, learn, challenge assumptions and consider how we can collectively change the status quo.

Special thanks go to all the speakers and contributors who generously volunteered their time, expertise and lived experiences, and to every delegate whose participation helped make the conference such a meaningful occasion.

VOT Inclusive Communities CIC also extends its sincere appreciation to organisations and individuals whose support helped make the event possible, including UNITE the Union, UNISON, Metrobus, and valued members of the community who contributed through individual donations and other forms of support.

The conference also provided an opportunity to launch VOT Inclusive Communities CIC's new branded T-shirts carrying the message: HUMANITY: Inspire a Kinder World!

The organisation's logo, which is inscribed on the T-shirts, depicts faces of different skin colours crying out against racism and injustice - symbolising both the pain and trauma for all resulting from hate, discrimination and division in society and a collective call for humanity, compassion and change.

VOT Inclusive Communities CIC is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Vivian Okeze-Tirado, with a mission to help build safer, more inclusive and cohesive communities through education, training, workshops, conferences and meaningful community dialogue.

The annual Community Anti-Racism Conference seeks to create a unique space where difficult issues can be explored with honesty, compassion and respect, while bringing together people who may not ordinarily find themselves sitting around the same table.

The message emerging from the 2026 conference was clear:

Creating a kinder and more inclusive world does not begin somewhere else. It begins with each of us.

HUMANITY: Inspire a Kinder World!

Let us keep learning, keep listening, keep challenging injustice and keep inspiring a kinder world.

The theme for this year’s conference, in line with Black History Month, is “Honouring our communities.” As part of honouring our community, six delegates were awarded “Race Equality Ambassadors” for supporting the CIC and making the free conference a reality and for their ongoing work promoting race equity in their communities.

Early feedback received so far:

“What an excellent conference yesterday. It was really uplifting and at the same time tremendously grounded. The mix of speakers was great, and the rhythm of the day was perfect - from your rousing keynote address to your closing remarks.  I am sure everyone felt that the heartfelt personal experiences and poetry shared gave substantial content to consider and act on in our personal lives. I won’t forget it! 

Thank you for all the thought and care you poured into it.” - Francesca

“Thank you for creating such a safe and beautiful environment. I intend to attend every year that I can. It was very special.”   - Renae

“It was fabulous again. Thoroughly enjoyed all of it. Very impactful. The presentations were excellent. The co-comperes did a great job, and all the speakers were really good- a lot of things stayed with me. What a lovely, diverse bunch of people attended from far and wide! It was very heartwarming but, at the same time, a strong reminder of the responsibilities of self-reflection and allyship. Massive well done for all the hard work. PS: Love my T-shirt- it’s beautiful.” - Jill

“An incredibly inspiring conference yesterday, not just a conference, an anti-racism conference with a difference!” - June

“Fantastic event! Every session was rich in content. And what a wonderful t-shirt design. Very proud of my water bottle and t-shirt!”- Adrian

“Thank you, Vivian, for such a great conference; so good to see everyone too! It’s a privilege to stand with so many beautiful, courageous friends for justice and humanity!” - Rosa

“A fantastic day with great speakers. The case studies and group discussions were such an eye-opener and really productive. Thanks for putting on this event. - Emily

A fabulous celebration and congratulations to all involved. It was great to network and spread the message of community, unity and hope over division - David