International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

When did the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition start?

The first recorded date of International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition being celebrated on August 22 was in the year 2004.

About International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition Holiday

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is an annual observance held every August 23 to honor the millions of Africans who suffered and died due to the transatlantic slave trade. The day was proclaimed in 2007 by UNESCO to commemorate the successful struggle of slaves and their descendants for freedom from bondage and to honor their suffering, courage and strength.

The day consists of various activities and events such as symposiums, parades, and memorial services to provide a meaningful and lasting tribute to those who fought against the slave trade. Supporters of this holiday wear the color black on this day, signifying the inhumane legacy of the slave trade and the fight for human dignity. It is also a day of unity, as many people of different backgrounds join together to reflect on the painful history and its long-lasting effects.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition – Introduction

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, which is also known as the Abolition Day, is a day to remember, honor, and mourn those who suffered and perished under the transatlantic slave trade. This worldwide holiday is dedicated to learning about the history of slavery, recognizing the efforts of those who resisted it, and identifying ways to continue the struggle for a world without it.

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was officially established in 1988 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and was later declared an official United Nations observance day in 2004. This day is typically observed on August 23rd, which is the anniversary of the day in 1791 when a successful slave revolt in what is now Haiti began. Every year, countries around the world commemorate this day with various cultural activities, such as parades, film screenings, memorial services, conferences, and exhibitions.

History

The long and painful history of the transatlantic slave trade is one of the worst atrocities in human history. It began in the 16th century and continued into the 19th century, when it was officially abolished. During this period, millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and transported to the Americas, where they were made to work in appalling conditions.

The slave trade was devastating for African societies, disruptingsocial networks, leading to the break-up of families, andcausing trauma and economic deprivation. It was also a violation ofinternational law and conditions on board the slave ships were often horrific, with death rates reaching as high as 40 percent.

Despite the immense suffering experienced by those subjected to the slave trade, some African individuals and communities found ways to resist. Among the most famous are the Maroons, runaway slaves who established independent settlements in the Americas, and the personal liberation efforts of individuals such as the former slave and activist Toussaint Louverture, who led the Haitian Revolution.

Celebrations

While many countries around the world observe the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, celebrations vary widely.

In the United States, the day is celebrated with parades, lectures, and film screenings that focus on the history of slavery and its abolishment. The holiday is also an opportunity to celebrate African history and culture, with special events such as book readings and storytelling.

In Brazil, where the slave trade had a particularly strong impact, the holiday is observed with memorial services, cultural activities, and ceremonies. In Haiti, the holiday is especially important, as it marks the start of the successful Haitian slave revolt of 1791. There is an official ceremony at Biensan, the ceremonial square of the Haitian revolution, and various other non-governmental organizations hold commemorative events as well.

In Europe, the holiday is mainly used as an opportunity to remember and reflect on the history of slavery. There are exhibitions and public events to promote awareness and education about the slave trade and its abolition.

Conclusion

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition provides an important opportunity to reflect on the history of slavery and to pay tribute to those who suffered and resisted it. This day is celebrated with parades, lectures, memorial services, ceremonies, and other activities all around the world. It also encourages ongoing action to confront racism and inequality and to seek solutions to the legacies of slavery.

How to Say "International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition" In Different Languages?

Arabic
يوم الدولي للاضطراب الإساءة التجارة العبيد والإطلاق عنها (ar-SD)
Aymara
Janipuruw uqhamara Antiqamonisa (ay-BO)
Chinese
庆祝奴隶贸易的废除及其纪念日 (zh-CN)
English
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (en-GB)
Esperanto
Tago de memorfesto pri la nuligo de sklavkomerco kaj ĝia forigo (eo-XX)
Hebrew
יום הזכרון למסחר העבדים ותקופתיו (he-IL)
Hindi
मिल्क-व्यापार और इसके अलावा यात्रा निवेदन दिवस (hi-IN)
Japanese
奴隷貿易及びその終結の記念日 (ja-JP)
Korean
슬래브 트레이드 및 그 제거 기념일 (ko-KR)
Nahuatl
Tlacicpac Nemiceltilistli Christianos in aquin ahtlehuiliz (nah-MX)
Polish
Międzynarodowy Dzień Pamięci o Tradescencji i jej Zniesieniu (pl-PL)
Portuguese
Dia Internacional da Memória da Escravidão e da sua Abolição (pt-BR)
Romanian
Ziua Internațională a Amintirii Traficului de Sclavi și Al Abolirii Sale (ro-RO)
Russian
Всемирный день памяти о торговле рабами и ее отмене (ru-RU)
Spanish
Día Internacional de Conmemoración de la Abolición de la Esclavitud (es-ES)
Tagalog
Pandaigdig na Araw ng Pag-alala sa Komersyo ng mga Alipin at sa pagbubulo nito (tl-PH)
Turkish
Köle Ticareti ve Kaldırılışının Anma Günü (tr-TR)
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition Also Called
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is also known as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Countries where "International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition" is celebrated:

FUN FACT:
In year 2004, International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is celebrated on August 22 for the first time.

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