In the heart of Belfast, a powerful movement is taking shape, one that seeks to confront racism head-on and restore hope to a community scarred by prejudice. This is the story of the Circle of Change, an initiative that brings together strangers from diverse backgrounds, challenging them to break down barriers and build bridges. But here's where it gets controversial: while some might argue that such efforts are futile in the face of deep-rooted systemic issues, the Circle of Change is making a powerful statement, proving that small acts of connection can have a profound impact. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about addressing the symptoms of racism; it's about healing the wounds of a community and fostering a sense of belonging for all its members. So, how does it work? Each year, a new circle is formed, consisting of around a dozen individuals from various walks of life. These circles meet monthly in different locations across Belfast, creating a microcosm of the city's diverse population. The activities are simple yet impactful: sharing stories, raising funds for local organizations promoting tolerance and reconciliation, and, most importantly, getting to know each other. For Maureen Hamblin, a black woman from Kenya, this initiative was a turning point. She had lost faith in white people due to her experiences with racism, but the Circle of Change restored her hope. By sharing her stories of racist abuse, she found support and understanding from her circle members, who reacted with shock and empathy. Some members had led privileged lives, while others had faced deprivation and exclusion. But all recognized a commonality: Belfast was their home, and it should be welcoming to everyone. The Circle of Change is the brainchild of the 174 Trust, a charity based in the New Lodge area of north Belfast, an interface of Catholic and Protestant housing estates that endured murderous violence during the Troubles. The trust offers clothing and support to vulnerable people and is a hub for artists and musicians. As a member of Locality, a partner in the Guardian's 2025 Hope charity appeal, the 174 Trust will receive a grant to develop its work bridging community divisions and promoting positive local change. The first circle was launched in 2018 with the goal of tackling polarization and challenging stereotypes. Suzanne Lagan, who joined the first circle, found herself meeting fellow members in locations far removed from her middle-class, Catholic upbringing. Liza Wilkinson, from a working-class Protestant background, viewed homelessness with new eyes after conversations with a young member who had lived on the streets. These experiences highlighted the privilege she had taken for granted. The 2018 circle raised £50,000 for after-school care for black children, an achievement all the more poignant given the subsequent eruption of racial tensions. However, when Hamblin joined the fifth circle in 2024, she was dismayed by the 'bystander effect'. Even in her local church, which was ostensibly progressive, prejudiced comments went unchallenged. But she found solace and strength in the bonds she forged with fellow members, especially Tony Macaulay, who shared an anecdote about challenging racist comments in a chip shop. Hamblin, who loves to sing, and Macaulay, a celebrated memoir author, teamed up to record literary readings and songs in TikTok vignettes titled 'Paperboy and Kenya Girl'. For Macaulay, a peace activist, Northern Ireland holds valuable lessons. Despite its sectarian and racial faultlines, he believes that things can turn around. Thousands of ordinary people contributed to the end of political violence with small, individual acts, and he finds hope in that. The 2024 circle raised funds for Tunes Translated, a scheme teaching traditional Irish music to weekly classes evenly divided between foreigners and natives. Catherine Crean, who runs the scheme, believes that music transcends language barriers and fosters a sense of cohesion and belonging. If the music classes are swimming against the tide of rising racial hate incidents in Northern Ireland, all the more reason to do them, she says. The Circle of Change is a powerful testament to the potential of human connection to heal and transform. While it may not solve systemic issues overnight, it is a step towards a more inclusive and welcoming Belfast, one that values the experiences and perspectives of all its residents. And that, perhaps, is the most controversial and impactful part of all.
