Show helps spread Word

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 27, 2007

A MESSAGE of unity against racism was brought to the stage by music pupils and their teachers.

Hip hop and rap are used by collective The Word to promote a positive outlook among youngsters.

The group, formed two years ago by chemistry teacher and rapper Amer Sheikh at the Thornhill Business & Enterprise School, Sunderland, performed two shows at the Empire Theatre.

The Word recently won praise from Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly for its use of music to examine issues of integration and community cohesion.

Mr Sheikh, rapper pupil Brent Barker and singers Kudzai Chiremba and Sophie Forster performed in front of a 3,200-strong audience of pupils from primary, secondary and special schools, university students and footballers from Sunderland and Newcastle United.

Mr Sheikh said: "This event was the biggest we've ever staged and has taken months of preparation."

Coun Bryan Charlton, Sunderland City Council's cabinet member for regeneration and community cohesion, said: "The city is proud to support The Word and delighted the Government has recognised its achievements".

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PREPARATIONS: Amer Sheikh