Journey to Justice launched through song, dance, poetry, film and speeches

On Saturday 21 June 2014, Journey to Justice hosted a night of the music and arts of human rights movements in Conway Hall, London. Attended by 350 people, with 45 performers and 40 volunteers, many spoke afterwards of feeling inspired to take action for social justice whether at work or in their neighbourhood or community.

Main speakers were three of our patrons Leyla Hussein, co-founder of Daughters of Eve and campaigner against gender based violence; Sir Geoffrey Bindman QC, who spoke about the need for people to campaign for justice and Lord Herman Ouseley who addressed us via video and described the ‘walks to freedom’ taken by so many.

Compered by our Chairman Mark Hutchinson, performances included the David Idowu Choir  (formed in memory of David, who was a 15 year old victim of knife crime); Tayo Aluko (Call Mr Robeson); Streetz Ahead dance; UCLU Jazz Society; Zena Edwards, poet and singer; Jo Clarke in memory of Nina Simone and Wayne Marshall singing civil rights anthems. A feast of food and drink – donated by generous supporters was enjoyed by all during the interval.

June 21 2014 was the 50^th anniversary of the murder of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman in Mississippi and our launch was dedicated to their memory. We concluded with a tribute to the late Pete Seeger, a king of social protest music. Huge thanks to everyone who made it such a success.

See feedback and photographs of the launch here