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IMPORTANT: UNESCO’s international day of remembrance

FOLLOWING WIDESPREAD media coverage in the last year and three London protests against the enslavement and organ harvesting in Libya and across much of North Africa, this year’s memorial, taking place August 18, is dedicated to ‘Remembering Enslaved Africans Past and Present’, falling under a wider theme of global anti-blackness and the Windrush scandal.

This somber yet uplifting event will feature poets, monologues and artistic performers with people of all ages, nationalities and cultures welcome. This year’s performances will focus on new and emerging talent, in demonstration of the ability to rise through and beyond adversity.

There will also be a one-minute silence to commemorate the 60 million lives lost during slavery as well as those still losing their lives today.

Akala, who participated in our inaugural memorial in 2016 said: “If you don’t learn from the past you are condemned to repeat it. Many people will try to brow beat people of African heritage about the legacies of slavery with the cliché ‘stop going on about the past’ but of course they do not really mean this.

“Those very same people are careful to honor their ancestors, build statues wear poppies and other such things dedicated to the memory of the dead. It is only right and normal that people should remember those who sacrificed so much for us to be here today and for that reason and many others I wholeheartedly support the national memorial to support this day and commemorate those that suffered one of the greatest crimes against humanity.”

Shezal Laing, Founder of Slavery Remembrance commented: ‘Since its inception, this day has gone from strength to strength with this year’s memorial receiving support from the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan. The memorial is important as it offers the chance for people to come together and start to come to terms with this atrocious piece of our history, in so doing making tentative steps towards reconciliation of this past.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all those who wish to remember and honour the victims of the Transatalantic Slave Trade in joining us for another uplifting and inspiring day.”

The event will take place on August 18 at Trafalgar Square from 1-4pm. Find out more by visiting www.slaveryremembrance.org

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