Abolition Truths

A panel-led talks programme that highlights the African role that led to the abolition of the slave

Title: Abolition Truths

Date/Time: Wednesday Oct. 24 2007, 6.30-8.30pm

Venue: Council Chamber, Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow HA1

(Harrow On The Hill (Metropolitan tube) or Harrow & Wealdstone (Bakerloo tube/Metro rail), then buses 140, 182, 258 or 340 to Civic Centre bus stop)

Cost: £Free but pre-book via info@btwsc.com subject line: booking for Abolition Truths

Abolition Truths is a panel-led Talks and Q&A session, interspersed with a specially composed musical piece and poetry performance, on the Abolition of the slave trade with special emphasis on the role of African freedom fighters and Abolitionists, the Haiti revolution and the revolts, campaigns, and the boycotts leading to the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807. The talk will highlight the fact that the 1807 Act did not seek to abolish slavery, and that the Abolition of Slavery Act was not passed until 1833. The distinction of chattel slavery, the issue of resilience and the need for people of African descent to re-engage with the African identity will be highlighted.

Panellists include Ms Serwah (BTWSC/NewAfricanPerspective), Kwaku (Black Music Congress/ NewAfricanPerspective), Dr Lez Henry (Nu-Beyond) and emma pierre (Ligali.org)

A specially composed musical piece performed by Africanus Britanicus featuring HKB Finn & Co., will tell the story of slavery from Africa to the so-called New World and the legacy found across the African diaspora. The teenaged poet Stefan Testsola will perform a poem on the Abolition theme. Also, a presentation will be made to the Prof Allotey Science Prize short-list of Harrow students of African descent.

This event is open to youths and adults, irrespective of race. By attending Abolition Truths, participants will learn the following:

1.       The  1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act did not improve the lives of enslaved Africans in the so called new world and they remained enslaved. The said Act did not abolish slavery, and the Abolition of Slavery Act was not passed until 1833. Even then, those above the age of 6 had to undergo a period of forced apprenticeship before they fully gained their freedom, and that the 1833 Abolition of Slavery Act provided compensation for slave owners, but nothing for the enslaved Africans.

2.       William Wilberforce did not favour the immediate abolition of slavery, and  he opposed the likes of Elizabeth Heyrick, who argued for immediate not gradual abolition, and that John Newton, who wrote the Amazing Grace hymn, made three journeys as a  captain of slave ships after his  ‘encounter with God’ in 1748, and he  did not publicly speak out against the slave trade until 1788.

Produced by BTWSC in association with NewAfricanPerspective.blogspot.com and BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress. Part-funded by Harrow Black History Month