International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade
Beyond Abolition: Reflecting on the Legacy of the Slave Trade in Today’s Society
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition marks a solemn occasion—one to honour the millions of men, women, and children whose lives were irreversibly changed by one of history’s gravest injustices. It is a moment to remember the human cost of the transatlantic slave trade and to reflect on the profound impact it has left on societies around the world, including here in the UK.
While abolition formally ended the trade centuries ago, the legacy of this chapter continues to shape social, economic, and cultural realities today. Recognising this legacy with care and respect is essential to understanding the experiences of Black and minoritised communities in the UK, particularly women who face complex challenges rooted in intersecting histories of discrimination.
A History Shared, A Responsibility Acknowledged
The United Kingdom played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade—both as a participant and a beneficiary. The wealth generated during that era helped build many of the institutions, cities, and industries that remain central to British life. At the same time, the human suffering caused by the trade was immense and enduring.
This history is part of our shared past, and while it belongs to a different time, its effects are woven into present-day inequalities. For Black and minoritised women in the UK, these include disparities in health outcomes, barriers to justice and support services, and experiences of racial and gender discrimination that intersect in complex ways.
Acknowledging this history does not seek to assign blame but to foster understanding. It invites a collective commitment to learning, healing, and building a society that genuinely reflects the values of equality and dignity.
Remembering Resilience and Resistance
Alongside remembering the tragedy, it is equally important to honour the resilience and resistance of those who endured slavery and its aftermath. Stories of courage, survival, and cultural preservation shine through centuries of hardship.
Many Black communities in the UK today trace their roots back to those who resisted oppression—through acts of rebellion, cultural resilience, and community-building. This legacy of strength continues to inspire those who confront injustice and work towards equality today.
At Anah Project, we see this resilience reflected in the women we support every day. Their journeys embody both the challenges of historical legacies and the possibilities of hope, recovery, and empowerment.
The Lasting Impact on Black and Minoritised Women
The legacy of the slave trade intersects with other social and structural factors to shape the lived experiences of Black and minoritised women in particular ways:
- Health disparities: Research shows that Black women in the UK face higher risks in maternity and general healthcare, often receiving unequal treatment.
- Barriers to justice: Experiences of abuse, coercion, and violence can be compounded by systemic biases, making it harder to access fair and culturally sensitive support.
- Economic inequality: Historical exclusion from wealth and opportunity contributes to ongoing disparities in employment, housing, and education.
- Cultural erasure: The undervaluing or misunderstanding of cultural identities can lead to isolation and invisibility within services designed to help.
Understanding these intersections helps services like Anah Project tailor support that is both effective and respectful of the unique experiences of Black and minoritised women.
Moving Forward Together
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition challenges us to reflect on what it means to remember history in a way that informs the present. It asks us to consider:
- How can we honour the memory of those affected while supporting communities today?
- What steps can be taken to address the ongoing inequalities rooted in this legacy?
- How can individuals, organisations, and society foster healing, inclusion, and justice?
At Anah Project, we are committed to these questions. We work alongside Black and minoritised women to create spaces where they feel safe, heard, and empowered. We advocate for a future where history’s lessons translate into real, meaningful change.
Reflective Questions
As you observe this day, consider:
- What parts of this history have been taught, and what parts have been overlooked?
- How do we ensure that remembrance leads to action, not just reflection?
- In what ways can each of us contribute to a society where all women have equal access to safety, justice, and opportunity?
Remembering the slave trade is not just about the past. It is about shaping a better present and future—for everyone.
The remembrance of the slave trade must be more than ceremonial. It must lead to concrete reflection, dialogue, and change. At Anah Project, we believe that this work starts with honesty—and continues with action.
This day is not just about what happened then. It’s about what we do now.
Watch the Interview with Marcus Miller – 20th Anniversary of the Slave Route:
https://www.unesco.org/en/paragraph-resource/179051/1?hub=66757
