CRR's fundraising and advocacy for reparations

In 2023–2024, the Centre for Reparation Research (CRR) made significant strides in fundraising and advocacy initiatives. Collaborating with the South African High Commissioner’s Office in Jamaica, the CRR facilitated discussions for potential partnerships and conducted funded research in collaboration with SALISES for the REPAIR Campaign’s regional studies. A new project with Queen Mary University on “Mapping the Sam Sharpe War” is set for funding, alongside collaborations with heritage developers in Jamaica, with projects related to both Bushy Park and Friendship Estates. Successful financing was secured for an inaugural reparation film festival and other related events from the Open Society grant, as well as research efforts culminating in a book for the National Stadium of Jamaica in partnership with Independence Park Limited. Despite challenges in securing funds from the CARICOM Reparations Commission, which impacted financial stability, the CRR plans to intensify applications for external grants moving forward. Regarding public engagement, the CRR launched the “Reparation Conversations” series in collaboration with UWItv, featuring interviews with prominent advocates and scholars, including Dr. Sonjah Stanley Niaah, Steven Golding, Barbara Blake Hannah, and Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. These conversations explored themes such as the justifications for the transatlantic slave trade and the evolution of grassroots movements, underscoring the importance of personal narratives in the ongoing fight for reparation.