By Jahni, 17
As a Geordie with Pakistani roots, I have always been proud of where I come from. Newcastle has been home to me all my life, and it’s a city I love deeply. There’s something special about the people here: the friendly smiles, the hearty laughter and of course, the accent.
You can’t walk down the street without hearing someone yell “howay, man!” or “canny day!” It’s like a warm hug in the middle of the chaos. But recently, I’ve started to feel differently about the city I once loved so much.
Growing up, I never really thought twice about my heritage in Newcastle. I didn’t see being Pakistani as something that made me stand out in a bad way. I would wander around town, laughing with my mates, grabbing a kebab on the way home and just being a teenager. But lately, something’s changed. The city doesn’t feel as safe as it used to. I’m not sure what happened.
It’s not that I think people here have suddenly become more racist or hateful. It’s more subtle than that. Sometimes, I’ll notice the way people look at me when I’m out with my friends or walking through the city centre.
It’s like they see me and my family as “other,” not really part of the community even though we’ve been here for generations. And I can’t help but notice how some people’s attitudes have shifted in the past few years.
“I think it’s harder now, especially since things like Brexit and the rise in global tensions,” agrees Kiran, 18, from Newcastle. “People look at you differently, like you’re not as much a part of the city as others.
“It’s frustrating because we’ve lived here all our lives, and Newcastle should feel like home for everyone.”
It’s not just the looks that make me feel uneasy. I’ve noticed more aggressive behaviour in some places. I have walked down Grainger Street with a couple of mates, and a group of guys shouted something that I couldn’t quite catch. It sounded like a dig at my heritage.
It wasn’t the first time something like that had happened, and it’s starting to wear me down.
At the same time, I don’t want to make it sound like Newcastle is suddenly a bad place to live. That’s far from the truth. I still love this city. The energy, the diversity, and the community.
There’s something about the way the River Tyne reflects the city lights at night that still takes my breath away. Newcastle is a place that celebrates difference with its rich mix of cultures and backgrounds. The Geordie pride that runs through the city is something that has always made me feel like I belong.
“I love Newcastle, always have, always will,” says Adeel, 17. “But there’s more division now. It’s like some people forget we’re all part of the same city. The same community. I don’t want to feel like an outsider in my own home.”
It’s frustrating because I know Newcastle is a welcoming city. I’ve seen it for years, from the annual Newcastle Mela celebrating South Asian culture to the way Geordies rally behind each other during tough times. But there’s still work to be done. No one should have to feel like they don’t belong in their own city, just because of the colour of their skin or where their family comes from.
But despite all of this, I’m not ready to give up on Newcastle. I refuse to let these incidents define the city I’ve always called home. I love my heritage and I love my Geordie accent and I won’t let anyone make me feel less than.
I’ll keep walking these streets, keep living my life as a proud Geordie with Pakistani roots and keep fighting for a Newcastle that embraces everyone no matter where they come from.
At the end of the day, this is my home. And I’m going to keep loving it, flaws and all.
This story was written by a young person as part of the Headliners Young Journalist programme. This project was made possible by the Million Hours Fund.
