Written by Lottie Kennett, Research assistant for BSWN
““Nobody’s free until everybody’s free””
On 2 December, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we honour the immeasurable suffering, endurance and resistance of the millions of African men, women and children that were subjugated into the Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Afrikans, (‘TTEA’), formerly termed the ‘Transatlantic slave trade’.
Prince Charles’ apology to Barbados, in which he condemns the ‘appalling atrocity’ of slavery, is both timely and necessary. Yet, whilst the recognition of slavery by the monarchy is a step in the right direction, it does not scratch the surface of true accountability, nor does it signal institutional reform to the structures that keep Black and Asian people in perpetual cycles of precarity.
Price Charles in Barbados making his apology, sourced from The Independent.
In its paradoxicality, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery requires us to recognise that slavery is not simply a ‘historical relic’ (UN Nations, 2021) but that it subsists in mutated forms of exploitation and human commodification today, frequently termed ‘modern slavery’.
Modern Slavery
The term ‘modern slavery’ is not defined in law; it is used as an umbrella term to comprise contemporary manifestations of slavery – practices such as forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking. It refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or the abuse of power. (UN Nations, 2021)
In 2001, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action recognised the connection between racism, discrimination, and human trafficking. (UN Nations, 2002) This nexus persists today. Marginalised communities – particularly racial and ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, refugees, and migrants – are at highest risk. Often, the intersectionality of precarious work, uncertain immigration status and/or racial discrimination creates a toxic vulnerability to exploitation.
Bristol – Britain’s premier port
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery prompts us to look a little closer at who we commemorate, and the action we take in tandem with commemoration, especially in Bristol. By the late 1730s, Bristol had become Britain’s premier port for the TTEA (Bristol Museums, 2021). It was the epicentre of exploitation, and its imperialist profits continue to form the city’s foundations.
By the late 1730s, Bristol had become Britain’s premier port for the TTEA. It was the epicentre of exploitation, and its imperialist profits continue to form the city’s foundations.
BSWN recognises the undoubtable imprint that slavery has left on Bristol and on its people. Imperial logic continues to permeate infrastructures, discourse, and city-wide decision-making, as exemplified by the toppling of Colston’s statue.
Bristol is often presented as a pioneer of progression – as ‘forward-leaning’ (Bristol Post, 2019) in disrupting norms and departing from the status quo. In the absence of a robust anti-slavery system, Andrew (Unseen UK) urges Bristol to take an activist stance against modern slavery. (Bristol Post, 2019)
Whilst we can’t dismantle corporate structures at an institutional level as individuals, we can make strategic and informed decisions in our day-to-day lives. We can choose not to buy products that exploit modern slaves in the supply chain. We can stop supporting fast fashion brands that knowingly utilise forced labour. We can campaign for greater modern slavery protections, or directly contribute our time to exploitation helplines (see: Unseen UK).
In whichever way we choose to honour The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we must ensure we are leading the way – as a city – in eradicating modern slavery.
For links and further information, please see:
Project Truth
Project T.R.U.T.H (Telling, Restoring, Understanding (our) Tapestry (and) History) is a collaborative project between the Black South West Network, Bristol City Council and Ujima radio. It is an educative initiative that seeks to engage as many people of Afrikan heritage in the city as possible, so that their perspectives may found the recommendations made.
Unseen
Unseen UK is a national charity working to end modern slavery, with its head office in Bristol. For this week, donations to Unseen via The Big Give will be doubled.
Modern Slavery
‘Modern Slavery is closer than you think’ (2014)
If you have concerns that someone has been trafficked or have any local intelligence, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.