Slavery Remembrance Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Slavery Remembrance Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Slavery Remembrance Day is observed on August 23rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Slavery Remembrance Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you should know about Slavery Remembrance Day.

📅 What day is Slavery Remembrance Day 2024?

In 2024, Slavery Remembrance Day is on Wednesday, August 23rd. It is the 4th Wednesday in August; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the fun details and facts about August 23, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on August 23, people around the world observe Slavery Remembrance Day, which is also called the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This day was designated by UNESCO to remember and honor the victims of the transatlantic slave trade.

📜 Slavery Remembrance Day History

UNESCO has designated August 23 as the official day to remember and honor the history of slavery due to its significance in the transatlantic trade. This date marks the occurrence of the first major slave revolt in Saint Domingue, now Haiti, in 1791. The revolt, known as the Haitian Revolution, lasted for 13 years and resulted in the freedom of the former French colony in 1804. Thousands of slaves rebelled against their masters, leading to a pivotal moment in the history of slavery and playing a crucial role in the global movement to abolish the slave trade.

The triangular slave trade, initiated by the Portuguese in the 15th century, involved Africa as the source of labor, the Americas as the destination for slaves, and Europe as the payer. The discovery of the American South and its sugar plantations further intensified the demand for slave labor. The transatlantic slave trade had a profound impact on Africa, as Europeans exploited their perceived inferiority to justify their racist beliefs. However, it also revealed the resilience and strength of Africans, even in the face of the harshest conditions such as enslavement.

✅ Slavery Remembrance Day Facts

🔖 It could have ended in 1790
In 1790, Benjamin Franklin made a request to the United States Congress to put an end to slavery and the trading of enslaved individuals. Unfortunately, those in favor of slavery swiftly rejected his petition.

🔖 It hasn’t ended
Today, it is believed that there are more people living in slavery than at any other point in time throughout human history.

🔖 The U.S. wasn’t the biggest player
In reality, approximately 5% of the individuals who were victims of the transatlantic slave trade were transported to the coast of what is now known as America. Meanwhile, the remaining 90% were taken to Brazil or the Caribbean.

👍 Why Is Slavery Remembrance Day Important

Slavery was unquestionably wicked. While it may be tempting to push this dark period of our history to the back of our minds, we must acknowledge it and work to make amends. Black people have traditionally been disenfranchised and oppressed, and Slavery Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of why we must make amends.

Certain historical features can aid us in the future. When we recognize the patterns and attitudes that led to the slave trade in the first place, we may take steps to prevent it from happening again.

Racial injustice and prejudice are still very present today, no matter how much we attempt to ignore or reject them. Slavery Remembrance Day promotes awareness of the dangers of allowing racism to flourish and encourages us to combat it wherever we encounter it.

🙂 How To Observe Slavery Remembrance Day

⚡ Join a walk of remembrance

⚡ Watch a movie about slavery
Movies like “12 Years a Slave” and “Roots” serve as powerful reflections of slavery’s historical impact. Slavery Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to organize a movie marathon showcasing films that delve into the subject of slavery. These movies serve as a visual medium to portray the true horrors endured by slaves while also highlighting their remarkable resilience.

⚡ Read up on the history of slavery
Walks of remembering are done in many towns and nations throughout the world to respect and remember the victims of slavery and the slave trade. If you are unable to locate a Walk of Remembrance near you, you are welcome to arrange one.

📅 When is Slavery Remembrance Day?

See all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Slavery Remembrance Day. So be sure to check back soon.