DPI/NGO Briefing
by Natalia Saavedra
Michael Gomez, professor of African History and the African Diaspora at NYU, gave a history of the slave trade. In the US, individuals learn about all the factors of the slave trade and what it brought about. He shared with the audience how in Africa there is a lack of education and in Mauritania, Northern Mali and countries going East, people still maintain some unequal form of social servile relationships that are difficult to break. The scholars in Africa are the only ones that are speaking out with regards to this topic.
Dr. Abena Busia looked at Africa's women production and shared with the audience a letter written by an African slave woman who was in St. Thomas. She says the letter reflects a state of flux in St. Thomas and other areas. The letter gave the audience insight to one woman speaking out and trying to fight for her human rights.
Dr. Alvin Thomas says that people are not learning about the volatile situations that slaves had to endure. He spoke about ways to improve the way slavery is taught.
Ambassador Raymond Wolfe from Jamaica spoke about the history of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the increase of participation of African States. There has been a committee made to raise funds to make a memorial that will be at the United Nations. To date the committee has been able to raise $900,000 but hope to raise $4.5 million. They have also made a website to educate individuals all over the world. The website is www.unslaverymemorial.org.
