A Decade of Impact
10 years of building movements, challenging injustice, and connecting struggles across borders.
10 years of dismantling racism
and challenging colonial systems
This year, we celebrate 10 years of dismantling racism and challenging colonial systems. As a Black-Migrant led organisation, reaching this milestone is something we hold with deep gratitude. It's a chance to honour every person who has contributed to our journey and reflect on the impact of the work we have done in the past decade. To commemorate this moment, here are some key moments that define our story:
2016
In 2016, the Racial Justice Network officially became registered as a charity. This was a huge feat and milestone in our journey since it marked the beginning of more resources to support the work that was already ongoing and also what was to come. This year was characterised by trying to find radical trustees who could see the vision and also support the work of a growing organisation. This year we also markedly undertaking transformational training with training for change.
RJN in 2016
2017
This year marked a period of deeper reflection and development for RJN, as we refined our aims, values, and organisational goals with the support of new trustees. During this time, we made a clear commitment to focus at least 80% of our work on Black and Brown communities, with an emphasis on repair and healing. This included delivering a six-month Racial Justice Campaign course across the North of England.
Racial Justice Campaign
Racial Justice Campaign course
2018
This year was marked by a number of significant achievements and activities. It was during this time that RJN recognised the importance of building an international reach, following participation in the 2nd Dialogue Women in Movement conference in Brazil, marking the beginning of an ongoing eight-year relationship with Eva Bahia and her organisation, Dide Nos Por Nos.
2nd Dialogue Women in Movement
2nd Dialogue Women in Movement, Brazil
2019
2019 provided us an opportunity for RJN to revisit and realign our strategies and projects with our core organisational objectives. This reflection led to the growth of more collective, conversation-based projects, including the Stop the Scan campaign, alongside the continuation of the Unlearning Racism course. We also sustained key areas of our work, such as pastoral support partnerships and the delivery of training programmes.
Stop the Scan campaign
Advocacy at Westminster
2020
The year started with a week long conference “Decolonising Education Kenya 2020: Remembering, Resisting & Repairing Together” held in collaboration with the University of Nairobi, the University of Manchester, the Africa Digital Media Institute, and Kenyan activists, artivists, and scholars. The week-long event focused on confronting colonial legacies in education through collective reflection and action.
Decolonising Education Kenya 2020
Decolonising Education Kenya 2020
2021
In 2021, we realised the importance of archiving the work we do. With our renewed and improved resources we continued to build on key projects such as the Stop the Scan campaign. As part of this, we produced two reports exploring how biometric tools, often introduced under the guise of efficiency and public safety, raise critical concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and racial justice.
Stop the Scan campaign
#HandsOffOurPrints campaign
2022
Keeping our boots to the ground, in 2022 we continued to strengthen our efforts to host cultural events, facilitate collective conversations, and build partnerships across collectives and organisations, particularly within the climate justice movement. As part of this, we hosted a screening and discussion of the documentary Power Lands, drawing attention to Indigenous resistance, environmental destruction, and extractive economies.
Power Lands
RJN Grounding Session
2023
This year was marked by a range of significant achievements. We further expanded our work resisting the hostile environment and harmful immigration rhetoric by collaborating with Yorkshire Resists, PAFRAS, and Leeds Anti-Raids Action. Together, we organised a full-day, hands-on workshop series that approached migration not as a crisis, but as a life-affirming movement rooted in dignity and community.
International Symposium
2024
We continued to honour our international work and this literary legacy by inviting Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o to speak as part of a powerful webinar marking Peace Lotus Day. The event also featured speakers including Esther Xosei, Peninah Wangari-J, and Ndungi Githuku.
Peace Lotus Day
Now I Sing book launch
2025
This year marked a period of significant restructuring, as we reflected on our projects and programmes to assess how well they were serving both our organisation and our communities. This process led to the development of five new programmes, which now underpin the structure of our work.
Programme development workshop
Voices from the Journey
Hear from our partners, community members, and allies about what RJN means to them.
"RJN has been instrumental in building bridges of solidarity between our movements. Their commitment to genuine partnership, not charity, has transformed how we think about international collaboration."
"The 13th Framework changed how I understand racial justice. It's not just about individual actions, but about challenging the systems that perpetuate inequality."
"What sets RJN apart is their deep commitment to decolonial practice. They don't just talk about solidarity - they live it through their partnerships and programmes."
"For ten years, RJN has been a beacon of hope and action. Their work connecting struggles across borders shows what true internationalism looks like in practice."
"Being part of the CONAQ partnership with RJN has strengthened our fight for quilombola land rights. Together, we're challenging colonial legacies on both sides of the Atlantic."
Where We've Been, Where We're Going
Our First Decade
- Built a network of grassroots organizers across West Yorkshire
- Developed the 13th Framework methodology for decolonial education
- Established international partnerships across 5 continents
- Supported Gen Z activists in Kenya during the 2024 uprising
- Transitioned from Association CIO to Foundation CIO for expanded impact
Our Next Chapter
- Expand fiscal hosting for Global South partners
- Scale the 13th Framework to reach 2,000+ participants
- Deepen climate justice work across borders
- Build sustainable funding for international solidarity
- Strengthen youth leadership and intergenerational organizing
Celebration Day Programme
Honouring 10 Years of Resistance, Community, Survival & Justice
Bridge Community Center · 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Arrival, Registration & Exhibition Viewing
RJN Archive Exhibition, Photo & Video Displays, Community Stalls, Tea, Coffee & Networking
Community Welcome & Grounding
A creative welcome, grounding experience, prayers, libations, and community offering.
Opening Reflections
Welcome remarks and a short film celebrating RJN's 10-year journey.
Panel Discussion: The Journey of RJN
Founding stories, lessons learned, community impact, and future visions for racial justice.
Food, Networking & Community Experience
Explore exhibitions, stalls, and community activities.
Storytelling & Cultural Performances
Readings, spoken word, storytelling, music, and community voices.
Recognition & Appreciation Awards
Celebrating the people, partners, volunteers, and supporters who have shaped RJN.
Future Vision & Community Commitments
Reflecting on the next chapter of RJN and collective action for change.
Cake Cutting & Celebration including Keynote
Closing Networking & Farewell
Throughout the Day
Celebrate With Us
There are many ways to be part of our 10th anniversary celebration and support the next decade of justice work.