Racial Justice Sunday (RJS) has been celebrated since 1989. In 1995 RJS became an ecumenical event. Therefore, every year resources for RJS are produced by Churches Together in Britain & Ireland (CTBI). In the past, it used to be celebrated on the second Sunday in September every year, but from 2017 onwards RJS is celebrated on the second Sunday in February.
Many people feel Racial Justice issue is a thing of the past. We have gone past it and it is all fine now. The question therefore for us all to ponder is - Do we think we should bother observing RJS anymore? If yes, why? If not, why? We must think about it, and reflect upon it, in our living rooms, on our dining tables, in our social circles, while shopping or dog-walking or holidaying, or while watching the news, etc.
In a statement Churches Together in Britain & Ireland (CTBI) said;
https://ctbi.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday-2023-stephen-lawrence/
22 April 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the racist killing of Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, in Eltham, southeast London. In many respects, Racial Justice Sunday is one of the many legacies of Stephen Lawrence’s life. As such, in marking RJS, churches are remembering a young man who in life aspired to be an architect, but whose legacy has seen him become an architect for justice, equality, dignity and unity.
This anniversary is a key moment for church and society on these islands. Stephen’s killing was very much Britain’s ‘George Floyd moment’ as it clearly revealed the ugly face of British racism, in terms not only of the hatred of those who took this young man’s life, but also of the institutional variety that characterised the appalling investigation into his killing. Akin to all such tragedies, it is a moment for reflection which will enable us to assess what, if any, progress has been made since that tragedy.
This year’s Racial Justice Sunday officially took place on 12 February 2023, but can be held at any time, and the resources are ideal for observing the anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s death.
In Luton, we support and promote several Windrush & Black History Month Commemoration events and activities, because we know there are still issues of discrimination, inequalities, and injustices.
In a 4-day CATALYST Youth Leadership Training for young people in the age range of 16-25, delivered in Luton during Feb’23, 80% of the participants shared they had experienced racism, which is alarming.
It is therefore important, I think, for us to observe RJS. So that through our reflections, and through our actions, we can enable the justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24)
A call to Remember, Reflect and Respond to racial justice matters on the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence who died on 22 April 1993
Image Courtesy of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland | Design by 25 educational www.base25.com