Shades of Black: The Origins of Colour Consciousness in the Caribbean is an important new book looking at how colour consciousness in the Caribbean has affected immigrants, and issues of race, in Britain​. It is written by former MJR trustees Clifford Hill and Nigel Pocock and current MJR Chair Alton Bell. We have been sent these details of a launch event online.

Should there be positive discrimination in the public sector?
 
As we mark Black History Month, we would be delighted to invite you to an important discussion as part of the launch of Shades of Black, a new book exposing the roots of colour consciousness and racial discrimination with a view to exploring the question ‘Should there be positive discrimination in the public sector to encourage anti-discrimination?’   
 
Aimed at creating conversation across the UK on this important area, you are invited to join us on Thursday 27th October 2022 between 12.30pm and 2.00pm. A meeting in the House of Commons will follow on November 24.

This meeting will be introduced by Sir Stephen Timms MP with contributions from Dr Clifford Hill, Pastor Alton Bell and others.

To join us online, please register here. To attend or for further information, please register or contact Adam May by email or phone 07736 949 869.

Please share this invitation to anyone you believe would benefit from this discussion.
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Find out more about Shades of Black here.

MJR were invited to screen our documentary ‘After the Flood: the church, slavery and reconciliation' at the Lambeth Conference, the once every 10 years gathering of the leadership of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. The screening took place on Friday evening in a cinema that was part of the conference venue. About 45 attended, including Bishops from Sri Lanka, South Africa and other countries. A lively discussion followed led by MJR Chair Rev Alton Bell and trustee Paul Keeble, at which the film's impact and potential as a resource was noted. The challenge, as always, is, having seen 'After the Flood', and gained new knowledge – what, practically, will we do with it?

Find our more about screening 'After the Flood' where you are. Buy or rent 'After the Flood'.

"If you’re really serious about this anti-racism journey, this is a movie you HAVE to watch.”

Here is a video review of 'After the Flood' from Rebbecca Hemmings, one of the audience at last Friday's screening in Birmingham.

"With an insatiable appetite to learn more about this beast named 'racism', Friday, I saw the documentary 'After the Flood, The Church, Slavery and Reconciliation' by Robert Beckford PhD and The Ministry for Justice and Reconciliation. If you want to catapult forward on your antiracism journey, you NEED to SEE THIS, regardless of your religious beliefs, or if you have any. I was struck by how the challenges of creating an equitable society are similar to many organisations. There seems to be a willingness to acknowledge harm done, but the sticking points are in changing the power structures and taking significant action. This video shares a modicum of my experience and thoughts. Though I am still very much processing the wealth of information shared. 
Thank you Dr Beckford, MJR and all involved for such an eye-opening telling of our story".

This was one of the comments on social media after the premiere screening of our documentary ‘After the Flood: the church, slavery and reconciliation' on Wednesday May 25 at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, in London's West End. Over 200 came to watch, and burst into spontaneous applause as the credits rolled. It was followed by a lively question and answer session with a panel chaired by film interviewee Wale Hudson-Roberts, and including narrator Prof Robert Beckford, Eleasah Roberts, Lisa Adjei, Peter Cruchley and MJR trustee Paul Keeble.

Thanks to all who came and special thanks to Bloomsbury Central Baptist for hosting.

So, how do we get this documentary "seen by every church in the land"? One way is by lots of people asking to see it in their church or city. If you would like to know more, visit this page on our website or send us an email.

The Premiere of new MJR feature documentary 'After the Flood: the church, slavery and reconciliation' will be on May 25, the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. We can now announce that the venue will be Bloomsbury Baptist Church, Shaftesbury Avenue, London. Limited tickets to this unique event are available here.

'Challenges the Christian Church to go beyond talking, sermonising, bible quoting and spiritualising to pursue reconciliation in its fullness.' 
​Revd Ron Nathan, Minister. AME Church, Barbados.

Author Jeremy Williams' book "Climate Change....is Racist" looks at the connection between climate change and race as well as what can be done to bring about climate justice. He will be discussing these issues at an online event on November 18. 

​Climate change is an example of structural racism – something that will affect people in different ways and can result in divides along racial lines. The effect of climate change on the Global South is rarely highlighted and it’s something that will affect us all in the future. Those in the world who have contributed the least to this crisis will undoubtedly suffer the most. More information and booking here.

A special event as part of this year's Black History Month, hosted by UNISON Manchester.

An afternoon of celebration, history, inspiration, culture, recognition and engagement with performances, speakers, a play and refreshments. All are welcome and you don't have to be a union member to attend.

The event is being held at Manchester Central Library, St Peter's Square on Wednesday 6 October 2021 from 2pm - 5pm. more information and booking here.

The third part of the Mosaic Justice Network 'Facing up to race' series will be on Sunday August 30, 7-8:15pm. 'Generating Justice' will be a conversation between 3 activists passionate for racial justice for young people and for bringing the next generation into leadership in shaping and building a future society of fairness and equality for all. Download a leaflet here.
Recordings of parts 1 and 2, Two Pandemics and Church Complicity, are now available to watch and listen.​

The first two parts of the Mosaic Justice Network 'Facing up to race' series took place in the last few days. Both featured excellent presentations and honest and deep discussion. Recordings are now available to watch and listen.

1. Two Pandemics.
2. Church Complicity.

Part 3, 'Generating Justice' will be on August 30. More information here.

The Mosaic Justice Network in Manchester are holding a short series of conversations via Zoom called 'Facing up to race: contested identities and realities' on issues arising from the murder of George Floyd.

1. TWO PANDEMICS​: Health and race with Faye Bruce of CAHN and Dr Steve Taylor. How the higher incidence of COVID-19 among Black and Asian people has exposed another underlying health issue in our society. Sunday, August 2, 7-8:15pm. Download leaflet.
2. CHURCH COMPLICITY: Historical complicity going back to slavery and current issues of racism within. With Dr Joe Aldred, Ben Turpin and Prof Robert Beckford. Wednesday, August 5, 7-8:15pm. Download leaflet
3. GENERATING JUSTICE: A conversation between 3 activists passionate for racial justice for young people. With Gabriel Oyediwura, Christie Spurling OBE and Beatrice Smith. August 30, 7-8:15pm. Download leaflet.

​For more information and Zoom info go here or send an email. Zoom info is also on the leaflets.