Abolition Heroes celebrated at Docklands Museum

Heroes of Abolition celebrated at Museum in Docklands
Journey to Accompong

A display of stunning photographs of the self-governing Maroon community in Jamaica runs at Museum in Docklands from 20 February to 31 August as part of the recently inaugurated London, Sugar & Slavery gallery.

The display of over 50 photographs in a montage and a short film draws attention to the forgotten story of the Maroons who refused to be enslaved, survived in remote parts of the Caribbean islands and helped destabilise the plantation system. Even today they live in close communities independent from the government.

The project is the brainchild of hip hop photographer, Jennie Baptiste, who guided a group of six young Londoners who call themselves the Linx, teaching them research, communications and photography skills. The group of 14 to 19 year olds then researched the history of African resistance to slavery and visited the Maroons in the town of Accompong in the Jamaican mountains to take the photographs.

Linx member and 19 year old art student, Asia Bharj, said: "Never in my life did I think I would be part of this amazing project, being with the Linx I overcame personal challenges which allowed me to grow mentally and to become a better person."

Director of the Museum in Docklands, David Spence said: "Our London, Sugar & Slavery gallery was designed with the flexibility to allow members of the public to put a spotlight on part of the story they think is important through displays they've created. This inspiring project gives young people a chance to speak to others visiting the gallery in their own style and language."

Curator, Jennie Baptiste, said: "This project has sparked an interest among the public in the Maroons and the whole issue of slavery and how it shapes our lives today. It's been very educational for the young people involved and they have learnt so much through things like visiting libraries, plantations and the Maroon community. It's also been empowering for them to be called on to speak about their experiences to a wider audience. The positive feedback that we've had both in Jamaica and the UK has been overwhelming."

Natasha Reynolds is a Senior Youth Participation Worker with Brent Council's Youth Service, which funded the project. She says: "The Linx has done a fantastic job in raising awareness of a previously little-known part of black history and they should be really proud of themselves. Brent Council is proud to be able to support a project which is going to educate and inform people for many years to come."

1. Museum in Docklands explores London's connections with the world through the 2000 year history of the river, port and people. Across four floors of interactive displays the Museum's unique collection takes you on a journey through stories of the Thames and surrounding areas from Roman settlement, the transatlantic slave trade and war to 21st century urban regeneration. A changing programme of activities caters for visitors of all ages and includes gallery tours, storytelling, drama, talks by historians, films and guided walks through Docklands. The Museum opened in 2003 and is a short walk along West India Quay from the Docklands Light Railway or ten minutes from Canary Wharf underground station on the Jubilee Line.

2. Linx received a Brent Council's Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital fund grant of £16,000 in 2006/7 and a further grant of £24,000 in 2007/8. The money has helped to set up the project, to pay for tutor fees and equipment and to allow the group to travel to Jamaica to research and gather content for their forthcoming exhibition.

3. To accompany the exhibition, the group has also produced 'Journey to Accompong' postcards, academic diaries and a DVD which can be purchased at Museum in Docklands.

Museum of London and Museum in Docklands
150 London Wall
London. EC2Y 5HN
www.museumoflondon.org.uk