Civic reception for 'abused' dancers

Sheila Okonji says troupe members suffered racial abuse

Council bosses hosted a civic reception for an African dance troupe which suffered racial abuse in the city.

Officials said they were "ashamed of a mindless minority" responsible for verbal abuse and spitting at the group of black dancers.

The cast of the dance troupe Umoja, said they were so afraid that they would not go out onto the streets of the city unaccompanied.

Sunderland City Council officials have apologised to the 48-strong troupe and have blamed a "mindless minority" for the abuse.

The group were the guests at a civic reception hosted by Mayor Juliana Heron.

The troupe is performing at the city's Empire Theatre as part of a world tour.

Soweto streets

They said they had never received abuse anywhere else during the trip that has included countries such Australia, France and Germany.

Members of Umoja - which means Spirit of Togetherness - started as a community project helping the street children of Soweto.

Umoja is performing at the Sunderland Empire until Saturday

Sheila Okonji, the show's co-producer, said she was shocked and saddened.

She said: "I am very surprised because the way I see it is we are in 2003 and people should learn to live together and love each other regardless of colour."

Ms Okonji said since news broke of the abuse, people had been calling the theatre and stopping them in the street to apologise.

A spokesman for Sunderland City Council said: "Racism is a factor up and down the country.

"The government has issued guidance, which we are working with.

"We will continue to work to dispel myths and ignorance."

Dominic Stokes, from the Sunderland Empire, said: "It is a minority and that is something we all have to remember."