Honouring Our History: CAM's 20th Anniversary Visit to Port Sunlight Museum

As part of the Congolese Association of Merseyside's 20th Anniversary celebrations, we were honoured to welcome the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo and members of our community on a meaningful visit to the Port Sunlight Museum.

This visit formed an important part of our anniversary programme, giving us the opportunity to reflect not only on 20 years of serving the Congolese community in Merseyside but also on the history that continues to shape our identity today.

At the museum, we learned about the story of the Lever Brothers and the development of their business empire, which was closely connected to the colonial trade in palm oil. The visit explored how the demand for resources from the Congo contributed to the exploitation and forced labour of many Congolese people during the colonial era—a painful chapter in our nation's history that should never be forgotten.

For many members of our community, the experience was both educational and deeply moving. It served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Congolese people and the importance of recognising the sacrifices and injustices endured by previous generations.

Having the Ambassador join us made the occasion even more significant.

Together, we reflected on our shared history while celebrating how far our community has come over the past two decades here in Merseyside.

As the Congolese Association of Merseyside marks 20 years of supporting, empowering and bringing together Congolese people across the region, we remain committed to preserving our heritage, educating future generations and ensuring that our history continues to be remembered.

Our anniversary is not only a celebration of the past 20 years—it is also a commitment to building a stronger future, rooted in truth, unity and community.

We thank everyone who joined us for this memorable visit and for being part of CAM's incredible journey. Together, we honour our past, celebrate our present and look forward to the future.