Previous events

14 - The 2007 Bicentenary of the Abolition of the British Slave Trade

2007 is an important year which gives us all a chance to reflect on the role of Britain in the Slave Trade. Many different organisations and government departments are focusing on the Bicentenary, which prompts NBHA to look critically at how Britain’s role has been misrepresented, and how this lack of acknowledgement affects us all.

Britain acquired enormous wealth from the Slave Trade. This is the main reason why it continued for so long and was so fiercely defended. Let us use the Bicentenary to study how racism was constructed to feed a political and economic argument, and how those racist stereotypes are still used consciously and unconsciously today.

The government is making the history of slavery a compulsory part of the National Curriculum, but this must be a well-thought-out policy and very well executed in the classroom. Teaching about the Slave Trade could perpetuate stereotypes that Black people are always victims with no control over their own lives and futures. It is important to acknowledge that there were many free Black people in Britain who fought hard to end the barbaric trade. Those who were enslaved in the Caribbean also fought for their freedom.

Slavery is not all there is to African History. It would be wrong to acknowledge this aspect without also raising awareness of the long-term history and achievements of the African continent and its people.

NBHA is working to commemorate the Bicentenary, but urges restraint in any celebrations as the 1807 Abolition Act did NOT abolish slavery. We hope that the 2007 commemorations will raise awareness of Black History locally, nationally and internationally. This will help us to build the future of NBHA , as a community organisation promoting research and education about all aspects of Black History.