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BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
SUNDAY 25
March 2007 was the bicentennial anniversary of the Abolition of the
Slave Trade. Two hundred years ago, following many years of mounting
public opposition to slavery, the British Parliament finally passed
an Act, which outlawed the practice of forcefully removing African
people from their homeland. This act applied to all British vessels
but not to other nationalities, which continued to ply this
lucrative but heinous trade. In 1819, after further international
inter-action, the British Royal Navy, aided by other nations, began
vigorously challenging the slave ships and the trade was finally
suppressed in the 1860's. It was not until 1833 that the
Emancipation Act was passed and slavery itself was legally
abolished. Theoretically all slaves became free, but for many life
changed little as they were still dependent upon their former
"owners", as bonded workers.
Thoughout the country this year, many exhibitions, services and
events are being held to remind us of this particular example of the
dreadful deeds which mankind can inflict upon its fellow members.
Captured and torn from their African homes, sometimes after being
taken prisoner during wars, men, women and children were sold, often
by fellow Africans, into bondage. Subsequently they were shipped,
under appalling conditions, across to the Americas. Disease was rife
in the crowded and indescribably insanitary conditions under which
these "chattels", no longer regarded as humans, were
transported. Many, many thousands died or were killed en route .
Conditions were little better for most once they had landed and were
consigned to work in the cotton fields and plantations or in
gruelling domestic work, overseen by slave drivers often given to
harsh discipline. Both on ships and on land there was often spirited
resistance but retributions were severe.
Vast fortunes were amassed as a result of this evil trade, involving
a triangle of dealing. Slaves were shipped from Africa to the
Americas. Plantation products such as coffee, sugar, cotton and rum
came back to Europe and were in high demand. Less remembered, but
still a vital link in the chain were the shipment of manufactured
goods, spirits and tobacco, which were sort by people in Africa.
Here in Britain, much of the wealth of our cities accrued from the
slave trade, as some of our magnificent buildings here in Liverpool
testify.
Hope for humanity can be seen in the way the general public, heavily
influenced by campaigners such as William Wilberforce, Olaudah
Equiano, Granville Sharp, Ignatius Sancho, Hannah More and Thomas
Clarkson, increasingly sensed the wrongfulness of the practice and
pressed successfully for change. Here in Britain and elsewhere,
public conscience played a major role in the abolition culminating
in the American Civil War.
More important however than guilt over the past, for which we can
feel sorrow but over which we who are alive today had no control, is
perhaps the recognition that the potential for mistreatment of
others, either deliberately, or by thoughtlessness, is a feature of
the human condition. Today there are practices which require our
urgent attention, from racial and social discrimination to modern
day slavery. An estimation of 2.3 million is offered as an horrific
statistic of people enslaved today (Dept for Communities & Local
Government Publications; "Bicentenary of The Abolition of the Slave
Trade Act). Many people especially from the deprived areas of the
world including Eastern Europe, are duped and exploited and forced
into the illegal sex trade, sweat shops, tyrannical domestic service
or bonded labour. The shocking fact is that this is going on here in
Britain today under our very noses! The world also witnesses child
exploitation again sexual abuse, forced labour and by their use as
child soldiers.
Much of this is based upon dire poverty and regional instability,
which allows domination by the exploiters. Our generation will have
its work cut out to fight this iniquity. This is our duty today and
is something for which today's people will be held accountable in
the future. Whilst being mindful of the past, it is today and
tomorrow we must seek to influence. We must learn the lessons of
history but it is important that this knowledge is applied
effectively to today's problems. Remembering the success of public
opinion in the abolition of slavery, it is our public duty to
ensure, as best we can, that our leaders rise to the challenge. A
monumental task lies ahead.
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ABOLITION OF SLAVE TRADING COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
COMMEMORATIVE
events are taking place all over Britain this year to mark the
Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Here in
Merseyside an Ecumenical Service of Penitence was held on Saturday
24 March 2007 in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, in the presence of
the Bishop of Liverpool, The Right Reverent James Jones and various
local dignitaries.
Preceded by a welcome
performed by African drummers and a Gospel Choir, the service
comprised hymns, prayers, the reading of pertinent extracts and a
sermon preached by the Bishop. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Gospel Choir also contributed to the service and during the
proceedings the dedication of "I am not a slave", by
Stephen Broadbent, took place.
Afterwards many
people walked to the Albert Dock, where a Service took place in
front of the Maritime Museum, again attended by Bishop James and
various representatives.
The congregation was
gathered on the quay side but the service was held from on board the
old lightship, Planet, poignantly moored in the dock where goods,
bought with the blood money from slavery, passed through. Musicians
from Ormskirk Parish Church ably commenced the proceedings with hymn
singing as the people gathered. Also the talented African drummers,
the River Niger Orchestra, contributed their stirring music. Both
continued to support the simple but very moving service.
The melodious voice
of Tayo Aluko rang out over the dock side, as he gave his rendition
of the spiritual "Deep River", and then "Amazing
Grace", which was sung whilst red flower petals were
symbolically scattered on the dock water. Prayers were offered. We
were reminded of past events but were also made aware of the
commitments which need to be tackled today.
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