On Wednesday the 22nd of November, Yr 8 went on a trip to see THE WORD perform rap and music. The performance was to mark Dr Martin Luther King’s visit to Newcastle 50 years ago. In November 1967, Newcastle University gave Dr King an honorary degree. Newcastle was the only UK University to do so.

Mr Sheikh rapped and 4 pupils from Gosforth Academy sang. There was also a drummer, a bassist and a piano player. There were 10 original songs preformed with themes such as, respect, racism, love and equality. A Newcastle Eagles player was interviewed half way through the show. He explained about what gave him inspiration to become a basketball player and who his favourite musician was.

Mr Sheikh also told stories about struggles he has faced with racism in his life. How people have threatened him and his family’s lives because of the colour of his skin. He spread the message that it doesn’t matter who you are, or what colour skin you have, you are worthy. Mr Sheikh also told us how THE WORD was created and how he and some of his students had come together to spread a positive message to children and teenagers.

At the end of the performance, a boy from Gosforth Central Middle School got up on stage and preformed a rap written by THE WORD. The boy tried his best to rap the song.

One Yr 8 pupil said “It was very interesting and it spread a positive message.” Isobel said “It was informative and creative.”
Over all, the trip was really interesting and fun. Everyone learnt a lot and had a great experience.

By Sophie C., Year 8