Reflecting on the memory of slavery, the resilience of a people, and the responsibility to remember as the world marks the UN International Day for the Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
Two Histories
The people of Israel, as recorded in the biblical narrative of Genesis and Exodus, endured centuries of enslavement in Egypt before their dramatic deliverance. Their story of liberation and survival has been preserved in faith, culture, and tradition. To this day, Jewish communities around the world commemorate that deliverance each year during Pesach (Passover) – a festival lasting approximately a week. In 2026, Passover will be observed from 1-9 April. More recently, Jewish communities also celebrated Purim on 2-3 March, remembering the courage of Queen Esther and the deliverance of the Jewish people.
The history of African peoples tells another story of suffering and endurance. Long before the Trans-Atlantic trade, some Africans were enslaved through regional and Arab trading networks. Later, between approximately 1500 and 1900, European powers forcibly removed millions of men, women, and children from West and West Central Africa, transporting them across the Atlantic under conditions of unimaginable brutality. Historians estimate that around 20 million people were caught up in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, widely regarded as one of the gravest human rights tragedies in recorded history.
A Day of Remembrance
Since 2007, 25 March has been designated by the United Nations as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The day provides an opportunity for reflection on the suffering endured, the resilience shown, and the continuing impact of this history.
Other institutions also mark the memory of those affected by slavery. For example, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich commemorates the history of the slave trade each year on 23 August, recognising the struggle for freedom and the enduring legacy of those events.
In 2015, the United Nations launched the International Decade for People of African Descent, accompanied by the unveiling of a permanent memorial at UN Headquarters in New York titled ‘The Ark of Return’. Designed by Haitian-American architect Rodney Leon, the memorial stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and reflection. Despite these efforts, many believe progress in addressing the legacy of slavery has been slower than hoped. As a result, the UN announced a Second International Decade for People of African Descent in 2025, renewing the global commitment to recognition, justice, and development.
What Can We Do?
Within the United Kingdom, and within the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the British Union Conference, many members trace their heritage to communities directly shaped by this history. The descendants of those who were enslaved continue to carry both the weight of that past and the remarkable resilience that has enabled communities to flourish.
This raises an important question: How might we meaningfully remember the approximately 20 million victims of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade? There is a genuine opportunity here, particularly within churches, schools, and community organisations, to deepen awareness, strengthen community connections, and honour the resilience and contributions of people of African descent.
Acts of remembrance, education, and reflection can help ensure that this history is neither forgotten nor misunderstood. More importantly, they can inspire younger generations to understand both the pain of the past and the enduring strength of a people whose influence continues to shape societies across the world today.
A Christian Reflection
For Christians, remembering such histories is not only an act of historical awareness but also a spiritual responsibility. Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to remember the experiences of suffering and deliverance, recognising the dignity of every human being created in the image of God. As we reflect on the tragedies of slavery and the resilience of those who endured it, we are reminded of the gospel’s call to justice, compassion, and reconciliation – and of the hope that God’s ultimate purpose is freedom and restoration for all.
