Group photo of Youths at the Anti-Racism Youth Summit 2026. Sunday Adeola
Young leaders, community advocates, educators, parents and government representatives gathered at the Anti-Racism Youth Summit 2026 in Winnipeg to share experiences and propose solutions for combating racism. The event organized by Healthy Muslim Families under the theme “Voices for a Shared Future,” brought together people from diverse backgrounds and highlighted young people’s readiness to drive change through collective action, open dialogue and community support.
The event featured workshops, presentations, performances, and a youth-led panel discussion where participants shared personal experiences with racism and offered practical solutions for building more inclusive communities.
Speaking at the summit, Khalid Jaleel, Social Researcher for Healthy Muslim Families, highlighted the importance of creating spaces where youth can organize and discuss anti-racism initiatives. He emphasized that community organizations can support young people by providing opportunities for dialogue and leadership. Jaleel said that the entire summit was driven by youth “They have come up with ideas on how they can combat racism invited their peers to share their experiences and called their friends in the community to talk and share ideas,” he said.
Jaleel also identified silence as one of the greatest obstacles in the fight against discrimination. “One of the biggest challenges is not speaking up, not pointing out when they see racism, trying to blend in, trying to make them so small so they don’t stand out.”
The summit addressed the impact of racism on Muslim youth and other marginalized communities. Speakers noted that discrimination can affect a young person’s confidence, education, career opportunities, and overall well-being while emphasize the need to educate youth about recognizing racism and responding to it effectively.
Fatima Syeda, HMF’s Summer Youth Lead, said the event demonstrated how communities can unite around a shared purpose. “The main takeaway is how we all come together for a bright shared future,” she said, adding that bringing diverse voices together is essential for lasting change.
When discussing what actions participants should take after the summit, panelist Sara encouraged individuals to be proactive in confronting racism. “You should be willing to tell your local politicians and your community about this problem. You can’t just say that it’s wrong and then do nothing about it. You have to actively work towards making your community a less racist space.”
Sara also urged attendees to continue learning and to stay true to themselves. “Always try to educate yourself. We may think we’re very educated and that we know everything, but unfortunately, we don’t know everything.” She further advised participants not to compromise their identity to gain acceptance, stating, “If they only respect you when you change, when you are not yourself, then it’s not respect in the first place.”
Panelist Nada encouraged bystanders to support victims of racism and to challenge discriminatory behavior directly. “When you see someone being a victim of racism, you have to support the victim. Stand up to the bully,” she said
For many, the panel discussion was the highlight of the day. Young speakers reflected on what anti-racism means in practice and challenged common misconceptions surrounding anti-racism work.
Youth panelist Mustafa stressed the importance of responding thoughtfully rather than emotionally. Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he told the audience, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Panelist Waleed echoed the call for intervention whenever racism occurs. “The one action I want everyone here to take is to speak up against racism when they see it, whether or not it may be uncomfortable or inconvenient,” he said. He noted that when everyone assumes someone else will respond, discrimination often goes unchallenged.
Meanwhile, Abdullah warned against dismissing racism as humour. “Racism should never be treated lightly or as a joke,” he said, explaining that harmful comments can have lasting consequences even when framed as harmless teasing.
The summit also featured cultural performances and an anti-racism skit that explored issues such as Islamophobia, bullying, and exclusion. Volunteers said the performance resonated strongly with the audience and helped illustrate the real-world effects of discrimination.
As the event concluded, organizers urged attendees to carry the lessons learned into their schools, workplaces, sports teams, online spaces and communities. The message throughout the summit remained clear: fighting racism is not a one-time act but a continuous commitment to speaking up, supporting others and creating a more inclusive future for everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMYc57NhfJI
Sunday Adeola, U Multicultural.