Emancipation Day

All of us who are the descendants of African slaves in the former British Empire should remember August 1, as the day when our ancestors were legally liberated with the abolition of slavery. (This really occurred in 1838 (not 1834, as cited by sources like Wikipedia). Parliament gave liberation in two stages: slaves became "apprentices" in 1834 but were obligated to work full-time for their masters without pay, for six years, which was shortened to four after extensive strikes, marches and demonstrations in the Caribbean.)

The history of Europe's slave trade with Africa is complex and very emotional. For a very good lesson on all that slavery entailed and the struggle for its abolition, I recommend Bury the Chains, by Adam Hochschild (see review). It is particularly illuminating on the role of the British MP, William Wilberforce, whose name is most closely associated with the abolition. He was indeed the politician who guided the laws through the British Parliament. However, according to Hochschild's account, he was not the prime mover in this process. That credit should go to amongst others Thomas Clarkson, who was a tireless organizer and searcher of information against the slave trade. Clarkson was belated acknowledged in 1996 for his role with a plaque in his honour in Westminster Abbey, somewhat less than the statue of Wilberforce, which was erected in the 1840s! Another main player was John Newton (who also wrote the song "Amazing Grace"). The Quaker movement also should get their share of the credit.

The latest twist in the emotions is discussion of reparations for the descendants. I wont discuss that topic today. But in thinking about it, I will ponder the role of the Anglican Church, which was one of the prime plantation and slave owners in the Caribbean (in Barbados, the Codrington estate in the east was a very good example). I will also ponder the role of Africans, who were indeed the important element of the supply of slaves.