TUC campaign for an annual day to remember the victims of slavery
TUC campaign for an annual day to remember the victims of slavery
The TUC is campaigning for an Annual National Slavery Memorial Day because we believe that:
- The Trans-Atlantic slave trade was a major contributory to the wealth of this country and those that suffered as a result should be remembered.
- A memorial day would help promote understanding of the trade and its legacy today
- A memorial day is a way of raising awareness that it is necessary to combat modern day slavery and forced labour
In a speech to the 2007 TUC Black Workers Conference, which took place in Bristol during April Brendan Barber TUC General Secretary said
' Nobody in this country should be allowed to forget the UK's role in the slave trade. Here in Bristol alone, more than 2,000 slave ships were built that were responsible for carrying well over half a million human beings from Africa to America.
Although, Britain may have played an important part in the abolition of slavery, it was also instrumental in the creation, expansion and perpetuation of one of the greatest evils in history. That's why the UK needs an occasion for remembrance, reflection and education. A chance to raise awareness, not just of how slavery began, but also of how it ended. Amidst all the Hollywood hype about William Wilberforce, let us never forget that freedom from slavery was not a gift handed down from the great and the good. It was led and won by the struggles and rebellions of the slaves themselves'.
Support the campaign by visiting the TUC website www.tuc.org.uk/slavery where there is a model letter you can use to write to you MP
Join the campaign for an Annual National Slavery Memorial Day and encouraging you friends, family and work colleagues to do the same.
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