The Work of MJR
MJR’s work comes under three headings: Research, Education and Community Projects.
Research
Partnering with the Religious Histories Department of the Open University, the Nazarene Theological College in Manchester, and other organisations to:
- Find and collate research into the legacy left by colonial slavery and industrial exploitation in Britain
- Identify gaps in existing research and initiate new research
- Publish findings with recommendations for addressing the issues identified
Education
To disseminate the learning and evidence gathered through research MJR will:
- Develop educational material and resources for schools and other educational contexts
- With partner organisations, develop training programmes for those in church and community leadership
- Establish permanent exhibitions and Study Centres dedicated to increasing public knowledge
Community Projects
Knowledge needs to be channelled into positive and creative action. As a follow-up to our educational work MJR would seek to:
- Work with churches, particularly in deprived areas, to enable greater understanding about the communities in which they work
- Sponsor and encourage community reconciliation projects which increase the life-skills and employment opportunities of those who feel powerless in modern society
The Zong Project, 2007
Several of the founders of MJR were involved with this project to mark the 200th anniversary of the end of the Slave Trade. A replica of infamous slave-ship The Zong was sailed up the Thames and moored alongside Tower Pier in the Pool of London.
An on-board educational exhibition about colonial slavery was visited by 6,000 people in 10 days. A survey of visitors found that 87% “learnt a lot”. This project clearly demonstrated the need for more opportunities for education on slavery.
MJR now has a portable exhibition about the legacy of slavery available for free hire.
