Monday's 'Black Lives Matter' march in Manchester gathered 3-4000 who came together in solidarity with similar protests in the US. While mostly members of our African-Caribbean community, it was good to see a number of people of other colours - including white - in the crowd as each injustice diminishes all of us. The event was good-humoured and celebratory, while at the same time expressing passion, anger and frustration. A member of the MJR Manchester group spoke at the rally before the march and said: "We collectively need to come together, black and white united and say 'this is not OK'". We also noted from the speeches at that rally and also at the end of the march outside Manchester's Town Hall the references to slavery and its legacy of continued oppression, and repeated emphasis on the need for education. What was clear to me was the hunger for justice and truth: exactly what MJR was set up for. We need to tap into this hunger and serve by helping to provide that teaching, but in a way that channels these strong feelings in a positive direction. No small task, and it will be vital that the churches and their leaders play a prominent and encouraging part. When Nehemiah came to Jerusalem he began with the problem identified by the people – the need for security and identity – their agenda, before later bringing them back to the Law of Moses. Do the churches need to do the same? Paul Keeble 'Voices of Black People' is a new play by Khareem Jamal telling the stories of David Walker, Harriet Tubman and Joseph Boulogne, three characters in the African Diaspora during the period of slavery and imperial exploitation. How did the sacrifice of these individuals alter the landscape at the time and change the future, which is now our present? These stories will inspire young people about the possibilities of achievement, and the realisation that your circumstances do not have to determine your outcome. The play is being performed at The Culture Space, Canada Water, Bermondsey, London, from October 6-9 and Lee Testament Church of God on October 22. Further dates to be announced. For more information or to enquire about bringing the play to your area, download a leaflet. MJR is running a short weekend course entitled: 'Free to Forgive: Justice, Reconciliation and the Legacy of Slavery' in Manchester on June 24-25. It will be hosted by the Moss Lane East Church of God of Prophecy in Moss Side. The course is designed to increase our understanding of how modern society has been affected by the legacy of oppression left by colonial slavery and industrial exploitation, and how as Christians we should handle that knowledge in the light of Christ’s work of redemption on the cross.
If you are in or near the Manchester area you are warmly invited to the next MJR Manchester meeting on Tuesday May 3rd, 11-1pm at the Nazarene Theological College, Dene Road, Didsbury M20 2GU. Lunch will be provided. This will be a chance to catch up on what MJR has been doing nationally and locally, one year on from the founding of our Study Centre at the College. and also to find out more about two events being planned for Manchester later this year.
For further information and to book lunch on May 3rd, please email Paul Keeble. Unsung tells the story of Liverpool abolitionist Edward Ruston. It is being staged at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool from 9th to 12th March. More information here. "A Caribbean slave ship, a Liverpool bookshop. Sometimes silence is not an option. Edward, an uneducated Everton boy, goes to sea on a slave ship. When his best friend – a former African slave – drowns saving Edward’s life, his world changes forever. Spanning oceans and continents, and inspired by words and events in the life of Liverpool abolitionist, poet and human rights campaigner, Edward Rushton, Unsung is the turbulent and uplifting story of one man’s capacity to see beyond the prejudices of his time." On Tuesday November 10th members of the Movement for Justice and Reconciliation will be making a presentation in the House of Lords on the Legacy of Slavery at the invitation of Baroness Cox and Rt Hon Stephen Timms PM . An invitation has gone out to Members of both the Lords and the Commons, and to other individuals, such as community leaders and workers and researchers. The presentation will be followed by a discussion on the issues raised. Given the Prime Minister's comments on slavery during his visit to Jamaica, we feel this is a well-timed opportunity to present a case for what we as Christians feel is an ongoing injustice that needs to be addressed in terms of community-level issues - rather than moved on from.
For those of you who do, please pray for this meeting, that the voice of the God of justice and shalom will be heard clearly in the words that are shared. MJR is about addressing the legacy of past slavery, but we fully endorse the work of those seeking to expose the evils of modern slavery and trafficking. October 18 is Anti-Slavery Day. "It provides an opportunity to draw attention to the subject and to pressurise government, local authorities, public institutions and private and public companies to address the scale and scope of human trafficking."
We would encourage everyone to find out what is happening in their locality and try to support it. The main 'What's On' listing is here and the EA have a useful guide here. Members of MJR will be running a short introductory course on the Legacy of Slavery as part of the annual Manchester Bible School in Manchester in the Autumn. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about and discuss a vital justice issue that should be of concern to all Christians. The course will explore how both colonial slavery and industrial exploitation have left their mark on British society and culture and continue to influence the mindset and behaviour of people in deprived areas.
The school is hosted by the Nazarene Theological College where MJR is in the process of establishing a Study Centre. The course will run on five Monday evenings from 14 September to 12 October and will cost £30 (£20 unwaged). Those taking part from MJR are Clifford Hill, Khareem Jamal, Alton Bell, Derek Purnell and Paul Keeble. For more information and to book a place go here. |
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