BLACK LEGACY

Issued to commemorate the "abolition" of slavery in the British Empire in 1833

Last Sunday was the 200th anniversary of UK legislation abolishing the slave trade, in the British Empire.

The Abolition of Slave Trade Act, which made it illegal to trade slaves throughout the British empire and banned British ships from involvement in the trade, was passed by the British Parliament in March 1807. But, it took another 26 years for slavery itself to be abolished in Britain in 1833.

It was argued that black slavery existed long before the development of the Atlantic slave trade and is still continuing today. But the form of slavery which the Europeans created for their economic purposes was different from other forms of slavery which existed in the past.

Millions of Africans were forcibly removed from their homelands, shipped in appalling conditions, brutally treated as property by their owners in a very foreign country. The slave trade was an enforced movement of population which left Africa in tatters today and scarred the survivors for life ie the creation of an ideology of inferiority.

The bicentenary should present an opportunity to reflect on the past and educate ourselves of the goods and services that may cost another human their health and freedom. Eg. Sweat shops in the Far East, sex trade workers from the Eastern bloc, child workers in India, Middle East and West Africa, illegal aliens in the US, and to a lesser degree in Europe and the UK.

Today (31st March) is Maulidur Rasul, a commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (ca 570-632AD), the last prophet. Around the Muslim world, special prayers will be recited hopefully for a better and peaceful future.

Also birthday wishes for my nephews, Emir and Eris.