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 designated by UNESCO to pay tribute to the millions of victims who suffered due to the transatlantic slave trade. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our shared history and the persistent racism that still exists in our societies. The holiday promotes awareness, education, and reflection on the historical consequences and contemporary impacts of slavery around the world. It also commemorates historical events that led to its abolition.

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition was founded on August 23rd since 1998, marking the anniversary of the 1791 uprising in Santo Domingo, which marked a significant milestone in the process of ending the transatlantic slave trade. Canada, a country with a diverse population, acknowledges its own historical connections to the slave trade through the stories of enslaved Africans and Indigenous people who were forcibly brought to the Canadian territory. This observance encourages Canadians to reflect on the country's role in the global history of slavery and its impact on present-day society, including issues of systemic discrimination, inequality, and the fight for racial justice.

Across Canada, the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is observed through educational events, conferences, and cultural activities. They all have a common goal to help foster a greater understanding of the history and consequences of slavery. Canadians are encouraged to join in the commemoration by participating in events, engaging in conversations about the country's historical connections to slavery, and working towards creating a more inclusive and diverse society. On August 23rd, Canadians join the international community in remembering victims of the slave trade and renewing their commitment to addressing racial injustice.

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.
• Between 1840 and 1860, approximately 30,000 to 40,000 self-liberated slaves reached Canada through the Underground Railroad.
• Established in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century, Africville was a community of African Canadians that faced harsh conditions, racism, and marginalization. The settlement was eventually destroyed by the City of Halifax during the 1960s in the name of urban renewal, displacing its residents. The Africville community and its history are now recognized as examples of the struggle against slavery and its effects in Canada.

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

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• Visit Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site in Dresden, Ontario. This site commemorates the life of Rev. Josiah Henson, a fugitive slave who became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe's influential novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.
• Visit the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum in North Buxton, Ontario. This museum showcases the history of the Elgin Settlement, which was a haven for escaped slaves from the United States.