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A story Yaa knows
Written by : Bridgette Badoe
Location : London
Posted : Mar 1, 2007 : 8:07:09 PM |
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25 March 2007 will mark the 200th anniversary of the parliamentary abolition of the slave trade within the British Empire. This is an opportunity to remember the millions of Africans who lost their lives during the 500 year duration of the trade, and the legacy that it has left on the modern world.
The transatlantic slave trade began in the 15th century, when the Portuguese began trading with Africans and used African slaves for domestic use within Portugal. With the ‘discovery’ of the New World in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, the Spanish and Portuguese established colonies in Brazil and South America, and began to import slaves to work on sugar plantations and in gold mines. Other European nations, including Britain, started trading in slaves during the 16th century as more colonies were established within the Americas and the Caribbean. The demand for labour was the driving force which led the Europeans to different parts of Africa in search of slaves.
The transatlantic slave trade consisted of a triangular voyage: ships left the docks of London, Bristol and Liverpool bound for the different coastal regions of Africa. Then goods on board these slave ships included alcohol, gunpowder, firearms and textiles, which were used to barter for slaves. They were then packed tightly onto the ships for the next stage of the trade, the middle passage, the journey to the Americas. It has been estimated that between the 16th and 19th century at least 10 million Africans were transported across the Atlantic. On arrival in the Americas and the Caribbean, slaves who had survived the crossing were sold at auctions in exchange for sugar, cotton, rum, coffee, tobacco, tea and spices. These products were then exported back to England for sale.
Britain soon became the leading nation involved in the slave trade. As the British Empire grew, the demand for slave labour increased. More slaves were needed to work on plantations to supply the increased demand of plantation-produced products. Huge profits made from the trade helped to boost the British economy and lead to the industrial revolution.
As the trade flourished the black population increased within England. By 1772 there were 10,000 black people living in England. In London, black communities were established in Greenwich, St Giles, Westminster, Deptford and Woolwich. This was a result of plantation owners and naval officers bringing slaves with them on their return to England, to work as household servants. But not all black people living in England in the 18th and 19th century were slaves. Ignatius Sancho (1729-1780), the first African prose writer, lived in Westminster and owned a corner shop. He composed music, and had many famous friends within literary and artistic circles. His letters were published after his death, and the volume went on to become a best seller.
Olaudah Equanio (1745-1797) a former slave became a political leader and a best selling author with his published autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa, the African, which was a detailed account of his movement out of slavery.
Together with another former slave, Ottobah Cugoano, Equanio set up a political movement called Sons of Africa. Both men campaigned against the slave trade through speeches and in their writing. In his book, Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil and Wicked Traffic of the Commerce of the Human Species, Ottobah Cugano publicly demanded for the total abolition of the trade and freedom for all slaves.
Africans played an active part in the abolition movement during the late 18th century alongside white abolitionists such as Granville Sharp, Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce. Their involvement in the abolition movement was important in bringing to the British public the horrors and brutality of the slave trade, while challenging the stereotype of the inferiority of black people.
Equanio travelled up and down the country to speak out against the trade at public meeting and debates. Through his work and that of other abolitionists, a network of local abolition groups, movements, associations and societies were established across the country. The abolition movement was the first political movement that had support from people from all walks of life, and harnessed public opinion.
After years of campaigning, the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was finally passed on March 25 1807. The act outlawed the slave trade within the British Empire and imposed a fine of £100 for every slave found aboard a British ship. The 1807 act was the first step towards total abolition of slavery.
During 2007 there will be many events to commemorate the bicentenary. The Yaa Asantewa Arts Centre, the only remaining black-led arts venue, began preparing for the bicentenary in 2005 when the Yaa Carnival Group showcased the first chapter of its trilogy ‘A Story Yaa Knows’ at Notting Hill Carnival; this chapter charted the black presence in London from 1400-1799. The second chapter, ‘How Yaa Comes’, in 2006 continued the story of black Londoners during the years1800-1948. 2007 will see the final chapter of this trilogy, with ‘Yaa Moving On’, which will focus on the black presence since 1948.
Yaa will commemorate the bicentenary throughout 2007 with various events and activities, including a gala heritage performance in Central London during Black History Month in October. The project is earmarked to be launched in June at the Houses of Parliament, and will continue throughout the year with a series of events that exposes the ‘hidden’ stories through lectures, seminars, films, workshops, exhibitions, youth events and a major conference looking at the role of black arts and artists over the last 200 years in Britain.
Shabaka Thompson, Director of Yaa Asantewaa Arts Centre, said. “’A Story Yaa Knows’ is our contribution to the commemorations of the bicentenary, if only to expose the ‘hidden’ stories and re-establish the strong link and influence black people had in making Britain the Great Empire it has become, due to the massive profits made by the trading of African men, women and children towards the economic benefit of this country, added to the fact that British History is yet to accept and appreciate this major contribution made by Africans in shaping modern civilisation, and how their long presence in this country (since 1400) impacted on the genealogy of British people as it pertains to this legacy of the Atlantic slave trade. After 200 years of the abolition of this master plan in cultivating cultural diversity, it is timely that Yaa Story be told in order to correct the gaps prevalent within his (British) story”.
In order to deliver a high quality, artistic programme, YAA is keen on engaging a variety of artists, individuals and organisations in the development and delivery of this milestone event. So, if you are interested and fall within any of the following categories, please contact Shabaka Thompson or Everton Counsell at Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, London W9 2AN, by telephone on 020 7286 1656, or by email at admin@yaaasantewaa.com :
· Actors and actresses
· Street performers
· Visual artists
· Musicians and dancers
· Black British based bands
· Street performers
· Technicians
· Trained stewards/marshals
· First Aiders
· Volunteers
· Young people |
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