Facing the Past, Building the Future

Birmingham hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Amongst the fun and competition, the Games prompted us to think critically about the Commonwealth:

How can we understand our past and build a more equitable future?

  • Where did it come from?
  • Where it is going?
  • How do we understand its complex and contested history?

In his book ‘Empireland’, Sathnam Saghera suggests that we need to develop ‘Empire awareness’ by addressing these questions. In recent years Quakers in Britain have explored our own historic links to colonialism, while Journey to Justice have looked at struggles for freedom in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

How are these links affecting us as a community today?
What reparations should be made for colonisation and exploitation?

These aren’t just theoretical questions: the Windrush scandal highlights the real-world consequences of systemic racism – the effects of empire being felt today.

Pop into Peace Hub throughout June, July & August 2024 to:

  • Read local & global stories and find out more;
  • Have your say about Empire awareness;
  • Explore how our past, present and future are linked;
  • Call for #Justice4Windrush.

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