Sunday School Stories marks Mandela Day

1 August 2024

Bringing equality and social justice matters into sharp focus in a welcoming atmosphere, we joined with Anti-Apartheid Legacy and Union Chapel Church on Thursday 18 July 2024 to bring a free screening of the award-winning documentary 'Life Is Wonderful: Mandela's Unsung Heroes' to a intercultural and intergenerational audience. We learnt about the inspirational stories of Mandela's co-defendants and legal team during the 1964 Rivonia Trial followed by a short discussion and Q&A session with a panel including political theorist Dr Ayesha Omar, historian Amelia Francis and peer leader Guy Fred Rurangirwa. The evening opened with an introduction from Union Chapel's minister Vaughan Jones to a full house and was part of our Sunday School Stories Project activities of heritage and social justice.

“Our commitment is to use the arts as a tool for social transformation, a source to promote positive change while inspiring our communities in questioning our human history by merging creative collaborations” - Cristina, Sunday School Stories Participation Manager

Life is Wonderful tells an inspiring story of immense courage and self-sacrifice on the part of a small group of idealists from a range of cultural heritages who said: ‘Not on my watch’ and ‘Not in my name’. In the words of Andrew Mlangeni, Accused Number 10, ‘they were a multi racial band of comrades who fought for a non-racial democracy’. 

Through ground-breaking interviews the film, produced by former English High Court Judge Sir Nicholas Stadlen, sheds light onto the stories of Nelson Mandela's co-defendants at the Rivonia trial, the lawyers who saved them from the gallows and some of the other brave men and women who supported them in their fight for the freedom of South Africa. 

We give huge thanks to our partners, speakers, volunteers, and audience who came together for an open discussion around human rights and the importance to pursue Mandela’s Vision: “A Rainbow nation at Peace with itself and the World"

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Anti-Apartheid Legacy Centre that began in the Islington Cultural Leaders Network coming together this season in Imagine Islington - a summer festival highlighting live events across artforms and genres in our vibrant community.

“The film - and the conversations generated by it - demonstrate how critical and possible it is for all people to play an active role in creating their own more just and inclusive futures. We are grateful to the former Trustees of Life is Wonderful and the production company Knickerbocker Glory for enabling us to use the documentary as part of our educational and outreach programming.” Caroline, Director, Anti-Apartheid Legacy

Thanks also to all who gave their feedback;

"The post screening discussion was very thought provoking. It gave me much to reflect on, especially about how stories are told/remembered, by who, why and for whom."

"The atmosphere, to be with people with the same interests. People that are different but with the same sensitivity."

"The Q&A was as amazing as the film. More of this please."

"The Q and A panel, so insightful and well rounded."

"It was an informative and engaging experience."

"Good to have a panel after to explore what it showed from different perspectives"

"Lovely intimate relaxed space."

"The welcoming atmosphere at the chapel overall."

Photo credits: Harry Chapman.