The United Nations General Assembly recently held a meeting to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. During this event, attention was drawn to one of history's darkest periods, where millions were forcibly taken from Africa and subjected to slavery.
In his remarks, a speaker highlighted that slavery was not just confined to the southern United States but was also prevalent in northern areas, including New York City. "New York City was used as a port in the transatlantic slave trade," he stated. By the mid-18th century, approximately 20% of Manhattan's population was enslaved. He noted significant locations such as Broadway and Wall Street that were directly connected to this history.
The discussion emphasized that remembering this past is crucial but insufficient on its own. The speaker urged for a reckoning with the ongoing impact of systemic racism resulting from the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. "We must face these painful realities head on," he said, emphasizing the need to eradicate systemic racism globally.
He further acknowledged efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration in addressing these issues domestically and internationally. On President Biden's first day in office, an Executive Order was signed aiming to promote equity for historically marginalized groups. Additionally, December 2022 saw the establishment of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement.
At an international level, support for initiatives like the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent has been expressed by providing voluntary contributions for its launch last year.
The speaker concluded with a call to action: "For our children, for our grandchildren, for the generations yet to be born, let us recommit to stamping out systemic racism in every corner of the world."