Fighting slavery with music and drama

The Freedom Festival held at St James Centre, Muswell Hill, London, in October proved to be a community event with a difference. It drew together people of varied ages and ethnicities.

This CAST (Christian Anti-Slavery Today) festival aimed to raise awareness of the shocking reality of slavery, whilst mobilising others to effectively oppose this abuse of human rights.

"Celebration and slavery may not seem to go together," explains CAST spokeswoman Bisi Omiteru.

"Yet, in addition to working for the abolition of slavery practicised today – including in Britain – we want to highlight victories as we work for more."

Creative presentations with drama and music added to the lively atmosphere of the Freedom Festival.

Music included local performers and a guest appearance from Raquel Thomas of X Factor 2010.

Before singing Raquel explained, "I am a Christian and this is community. It’s important to make more people aware of slavery, especially younger people. This will be very effective because it’s community and about unity."

Raquel has now joined CAST and the growing team anticipates moving forward together.

"Singing for people is something I really enjoy doing. It’s something I can give to others," said Raquel.

Yet she also uses her other creative talents such as graphic arts. She has applied her talent to design logos for anti-trafficking and child abuse campaigns. Now studying at university, she is developing her creative gifts further.

Because of her commitment to community action on behalf of the exploited, Raquel will be joining together with the inclusive CAST team in practical and creative ways. In the run-up to the Freedom Festival, everyone from pensioners to local Brownies helped make decorations together. Such activities reflect the CAST ethos that God values all people.

A major highlight of the festival was the Teen Fair Fashion Show which met with great enthusiasm. There was a serious aspect to this show as the young presenter explained that the clothing industry throughout the world is often based on slave labour. Then models demonstrated the positive way to counter this abuse of human rights by wearing clothing which does not exploit anyone. Colourful fashion, music and choreography all resulted in an audience keen to learn more about an ethical lifestyle.

Interactive means encouraged those attending to make simple changes in their own lifestyle to effectively fight the cruelty of slavery. Free resources were available for all age groups. Varied activities and workshops appealed to children and adults.

Festival volunteers at the ‘Community Corner’ informed people about ethical shopping locally. They learned how their own choices could enable them to bring about positive change through both action and advocacy. Another interactive stall ‘Mouse Power’ enabled people to see what they as individuals could achieve on the Internet through CAST and other websites. A popular website was one designed entirely by a teenager. She has become part of the CAST team, and her website is geared specifically to other teenagers and young people.

Those committed to abolishing slavery noted that this festival marked their joint start to effectively work for freedom. One participant summed up, "It was a welcoming and creative event. It was good to connect with a community with a purpose!"