Finding Your Voice: Students, Anne Lister, and the Malala Fund

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION AND HONOURING OUR PAST

We invite you to be part of something truly special. Students from Ryburn Valley High School and The Brooksbank School in Calderdale have created 'Lister's Legacy', an inspiring original song celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring influence of Anne Lister – pioneering diarist, businesswoman, traveller, and LGBTQ+ icon.

Over 40 young people aged 11-17 have poured their hearts into this project, collaborating across school choirs, LGBTQ+ committees, self-empowerment groups, and poetry clubs to craft a powerful anthem about courage, authenticity, and creating your own legacy.

Our single, 'Lister's Legacy' was written and performed by students, and launched in Halifax on what would have been Anne Lister's 234th birthday. You can stream the single on the school websites, and (coming soon) via streaming services. But if you donate today to support our project, you'll also receive a download copy to keep.

Who was Anne Lister?

Known as "Gentleman Jack," Anne Lister (1791-1840) was a remarkable woman from Halifax, West Yorkshire, who defied the constraints of her time. She was a landowner, entrepreneur, mountaineer, and prolific diarist who wrote over 5 million words, with about one-sixth in a secret code detailing her romantic relationships with women. Her diaries, now recognised by UNESCO as a "pivotal document" in British history, provide an unprecedented insight into the life of a woman who refused to conform to society's expectations.

Anne's story is one of extraordinary courage – she managed her own estate (Shibden Hall), conducted her own businesses, studied anatomy, and climbed mountains at a time when women were expected to be passive and domestic. Her determination to live authentically as herself, despite the restrictions of early 19th century society, makes her an inspiring figure for anyone who has ever felt marginalized or constrained by social expectations.

Why your support matters:

By donating to this project, you're supporting two incredible causes:

1. You're recognising and encouraging the creativity, talent and dedication of these young people who have worked tirelessly to honour Anne Lister's groundbreaking spirit

2. You're helping fund the Malala Fund's vital work supporting girls' education worldwide – continuing the legacy of empowerment that Anne Lister embodied through her own self-education and intellectual pursuits

As a thank you for your donation, you'll receive a link to download 'Lister's Legacy' – a song that bridges centuries to connect a remarkable historical figure with the passionate voices of today's youth. This will be sent on the single's release date 1 May. (You need to share your email address with us during the donation process in order for us to send you the download link. You email won't be shared or used for any marketing.).

Whether you're a proud member of our local community, an Anne Lister enthusiast, or someone who believes in championing women's rights and female empowerment, your contribution makes a difference.

Help us amplify these young voices and support girls' education globally. Together, we can ensure that the values Anne Lister stood for – courage, authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and determination – continue to inspire generations to come.