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 serves as a moment of collective reflection on the historical impact and continued legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. This observance aims to heighten awareness and deepen the understanding of the causes, consequences, and lessons of this dark period in human history. By doing so, it aspires to foster a culture of peace, mutual respect, and human rights to help prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.

The origins of this observance date back to a fateful night on August 22-23, 1791, when resistance to slavery began in Santo Domingo and initiated the abolition process. In 1998, UNESCO designated the date as an annual opportunity to invite people worldwide to learn and appreciate the histories of those who suffered through the slave trade. For Americans, the recognition and remembrance of the slave trade highlight the systemic injustice deeply ingrained in the country's history and the need to address its lasting impacts on the African American community. The day also highlights the significance of solidarity in the continuous fight against racism and discrimination.

In the United States, International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed on August 23rd in various ways. Educational institutions, museums, and cultural centers host exhibitions, conferences, and performances that shed light on the historical and contemporary dimensions of the slave trade. Such events spark constructive dialogues, empathy, and understanding, cultivating progress in addressing America's troubled past and fostering healing, reconciliation, and unity among its diverse population.

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.
• In the 19th century, most slaves in the British Caribbean and Brazil were born in Africa. In contrast, most slaves in the US were 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation Americans.
• The Slave Route Project, launched by UNESCO in 1994, has made it possible to identify the ethical, cultural and socio-political issues of this painful history. By developing a multidisciplinary approach, which links historical, memorial, creative, educational and heritage dimensions, this project has contributed to enriching our knowledge of the slave trade and spreading a culture of peace. On this International Day, UNESCO invites everyone, including public authorities, civil society, historians, researchers and ordinary citizens, to mobilize in order to raise awareness about this history that we share and to oppose all forms of modern slavery - Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO

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

Top things to do in the US 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.
• Watch a movie that depicts the tragedy that was slavery in America. Here are some examples:
  The Birth of a Nation (2016)
  12 Years a Slave (2013)
  Django Unchained (2012)
• Watch A Woman Called Moses, a film about Harriet Tubman and her escape from slavery.