International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is observed worldwide to raise awareness of the tragic events of slave trade. Remembering the millions of innocent lives lost, it recognises the importance of the abolition movement. This important holiday provides an opportunity for reflection, and education about the significant impact that the transatlantic slave trade had on history and modern society. It is aimed at facilitating global discussion and fostering the promotion of human rights and equality.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition on August 23rd, marking the anniversary of the 1791 Haitian slave uprising which played a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. In the United Kingdom, the history of the slave trade is inseparable from the country's economic and industrial growth during the 18th and 19th centuries. British merchants and traders greatly benefited from the commerce, which led to wealth and expansion. As a result, the UK became one of the key actors in abolishing the practice, with the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act and subsequent efforts to enforce it worldwide.

Various events and activities take place across the United Kingdom to observe International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition. These often include exhibitions, performances, lectures, and educational initiatives to raise awareness and reflect upon the lasting impact of the slave trade on contemporary society. Due to the country's pivotal role in both the slave trade and the abolition movement, it is a very significant day, and serves as a vital reminder of the importance of promoting understanding, tolerance, and the protection of human rights.

Facts about this day

• According to gilderlehrman.org, from 1526 to 1867, some 12.5 million slaves were shipped from Africa. Only about 10.7 million arrived in the Americas.
• About 90% of enslaved Africans were imported into the Caribbean and South America. Despite this, by 1825, the US population included about 1/4 of the people of African descent in the New World.
• The legacy of slavery and segregation has resulted in ongoing economic disparities between different racial and ethnic groups in many societies across the globe.
• To ease the economic impact of abolition for plantation owners, the British government agreed to pay compensation of £20 million (equivalent to roughly £17 billion today) to slave owners for the loss of their property.
• Liverpool, Bristol, and London were some of the main ports involved in the slave trade in the UK.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Learn more about UNESCO's Slave Route Project. Their project focuses on raising awareness about the slave trade and slavery. It hopes to highlight the cultural interactions that have resulted from global slavery.
• Listen to an episode of UN and Africa. This podcast features constitutional law professor Gloria Browne-Marshall as she discusses the effects of the transatlantic slave trade.
• Join discussions, lectures, and exhibitions related to the topic at universities, libraries, and cultural institutions.
• Watch films or documentaries that focus on the history and impact of the transatlantic slave trade, such as Amistad, 12 Years a Slave, and Amazing Grace.