Breaking the Silence About the Congo Week 2026
Blood Rubber: King Leopold II and the Exploitation of the Congo
Colonialism, Forced Labour, Resistance and the Origins of the Plunder of the Congo

As part of Breaking the Silence About the Congo Week 2026, Black History Studies presents Blood Rubber: King Leopold II and the Exploitation of the Congo.

This powerful presentation explores how King Leopold II of Belgium acquired control of the Congo and created a colonial system driven by the extraction of ivory, rubber and African labour. We will examine the forced labour, violence and displacement experienced by Congolese communities, while also highlighting African resistance and the international campaign that exposed abuses in the Congo Free State.

Moving from the nineteenth century to the present, the session will consider the enduring relationship between Congo’s extraordinary natural wealth and foreign exploitation—from rubber and ivory to copper, cobalt and coltan.

**Who has benefited from Congo’s wealth—and why have Congolese people so often paid the price?**

THIS EVENT IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!

This presentation and screening will take place on Sunday 18 October 2026 from 14:00 – 16:00 GMT at The Black Cultural Centre Islington, 16–18 Hornsey Road, London, N7 7BT. Nearest tube station is Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line). 

Food and drinks will be on sale.

Admission is FREE but donations will be welcome to support the work we do.

Book your ticket https://tinyurl.com/4d78czsv

For this event we know that demand will be high but capacity is limited so entrance will be on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. Be on time to guarantee entry.

Please note that this event will be photographed for historical record and uploaded to the World Wide Web. By attending and participating in this event, you are giving your consent to be photographed and waiving any and all claims regarding the use of your image.