2013 Remember Slavery
"Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation"
The 2013 theme “Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation,” pays tribute to the emancipation of slaves in nations across the world. The year was particularly important with many key anniversaries, including 220 years since France’s General Emancipation decree liberated all slaves in present-day Haiti; 180 years since the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 ended slavery in Canada, the British West Indies and the Cape of Good Hope; and 170 years ago, the Indian Slavery Act of 1843 was signed. Slavery was also abolished 165 years ago in France; 160 years ago in Argentina; 150 years ago in the Dutch colonies; and 125 years ago in Brazil.
2013 was also the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States, which declared that, on 1 January 1863, all persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.
Message of the United Nations Secretary-General | Calendar of events | Promotional Materials
Background
Transatlantic slave trade
The transatlantic slave trade was the largest forced migration in history, and undeniably one of the most inhumane. The extensive exodus of Africans spread to many areas of the world over a 400-year period and was unprecedented in the annals of recorded human history.
As a direct result of the transatlantic slave trade, the greatest movement of Africans was to the Americas — with 96 per cent of the captives from the African coasts arriving on cramped slave ships at ports in South America and the Caribbean Islands.
From 1501 to 1830, four Africans crossed the Atlantic for every one European, making the demographics of the Americas in that era more of an extension of the African diaspora than a European one. The legacy of this migration is still evident today, with large populations of people of African descent living throughout the Americas.
Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation
The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on 1 January 1863, which declared that; all persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.
The theme for 2013, “Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation”, paid tribute to all those who worked tirelessly to overturn the acceptance of the slave trade and institution of slavery as legitimate and moral. By the early nineteenth century it was becoming clear to the international community that the trade of enslaved people was no longer tolerable. The initial momentum to overturn the formerly accepted view began with the early Anglo-American abolitionist movement. Individuals and organizations corresponded, advocated and published books, pamphlets and newspapers as part of an effort to raise awareness of the cause. This was the beginning of one of the largest humanitarian movements ever seen. A key role in this early movement was played by a number of black abolitionists, including the British group the Sons of Africa, whose members included Olaudah Equiano (Gustavus Vassa) and Ottobah Cugoano.
The abolitionist movement gathered pace, with groups such as the Quakers working to effect change from the ground up. Several states in the United States beginning with Vermont in 1777 passed anti-slave trade and anti-slavery laws long before federal legislation. A global effort was also building with many nations becoming signatories to international treaties on the issue. By 1807 Great Britain and America legally abolished the transatlantic slave trade. These actions however did not mean the end of slavery. Decades later, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 ended slavery in Canada, the British West Indies and the Cape of Good Hope, while the Indian Slavery Act was signed in 1843. Slavery was abolished in 1848 in France, in 1853 in Argentina, in 1863 in the Dutch colonies and the United States, and in 1888 in Brazil.
Commemorating the memory of the victims
In commemoration of the memory of the victims, the General Assembly, in its resolution 62/122 of 17 December 2007, declared 25 March the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, to be observed annually.
The resolution also called for the establishment of an outreach programme to mobilize educational institutions, civil society and other organizations to inculcate in future generations the "causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice."
Message of the United Nations Secretary-General
The transatlantic slave trade raged for 400 years and claimed more than 15 million victims. Africans and people of African descent were victims of these brutal acts and continue to suffer the consequences.
On the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, we tell the world to never forget this global crime against humanity.
We must never forget the torture, rape and killing of innocent men, women and children, the families that were separated, the lives that were uprooted, and the horrific conditions on slave ships, plantations and at slave markets. These degradations cannot be buried by time; they must be examined, understood and addressed.
As we reflect on the contemporary consequences of this tragedy, let us remember the bravery of those who risked everything for freedom and those who helped them on that perilous path. Their courage should inspire us as we struggle against contemporary forms of slavery, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.
This year, along with sombre reflection, we have special reason to celebrate. We mark 150 years since Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing millions of African-Americans from enslavement.
This year also marks other milestones. In 1833, slavery ended in Canada, the British West Indies and the Cape of Good Hope. Some 170 years ago, the Indian Slavery Act of 1843 was signed. Slavery was abolished 165 years ago in France; 160 years ago in Argentina; 150 years ago in the former Dutch colonies; and 125 years ago in Brazil.
On this Day, let us pledge to honour and restore the dignity of affected people and to intensify efforts to eliminate the remnants of slavery that persist in our world.
Ban Ki-moon
Calendar of Events
Solemn Commemorative Meeting
Monday, 25 March 2013, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, General Assembly Hall, United Nations, New York.
The President of the General Assembly convened a special commemorative meeting of the General Assembly on the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, on Monday, 25 March 2013, at 3:00 pm.
Statements were delivered by the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, representatives of regional groups and of the Host Country.
The keynote address was given by Professor Ali Mazrui, Director of the Institute of Global Cultural Studies (IGCS), and Albert Schweitzer Professor in the Humanities, Binghamton University. The Cameroon National Ballet also performed.
Concert
Friday, 22 March 2013, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, General Assembly Hall, United Nations, New York.
UN Foundation Girl Up Champion Monique Coleman hosted the event featuring performers from Africa, the Caribbean and the United States:
- Benyoro
- Cameroon National Ballet
- UNESCO Artist for Peace Marcus Miller
- Somi
- Steel Pulse
Speakers at the concert included:
- H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Ms. Shorna-Kay Richards, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Deputy Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations and Chair of the Permanent Memorial Committee
- Mr. Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information
Cultural and Culinary Evening and Exhibit Reception
Thursday, 21 March 2013, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Main Gallery, Visitors’ Lobby, United Nations, New York.
The event began at 6:00 pm with a poetry recital to honour the 100th anniversary of the birth of Aimé Césaire, organized jointly with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie and Bureau de la Martinique.
Françoise Vergès, President of the French National Comité pour la Mémoire de l’Esclavage (2008-2012), introduced the Recital. The evening included:
- Poetry readings by Carole Alexis, Christel Coita, Ezra Mabengeza, Andgie Noel and Roxane Revon
- Music performance by Yacouba Sissoko (Kora player)
- Dance performance by Ballet des Amériques
- Screening of video excerpts from Aimé Césaire: Une Voix pour l’histoire, by Euzhan Palcy
- Display of kanga fabrics from Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania
- Video presenting La Fraternité, the educational ship project
- Culinary displays from Africa and the Caribbean
Exhibit "Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation"
The exhibition "Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation" was comprised of panels retracing the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, presenting heroes and activists, the fight for emancipation, and the legacy of slavery today.
A copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward, along with a signed copy of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was also on display during the commemorative week, 18-25 March.
The exhibition was free and open to the public from 11 February – 26 March 2013. Information on visiting United Nations Headquarters can be found at the UN Visitors Centre.
Cultural presentations and culinary displays from Africa and the Caribbean followed.
NGO Briefing: "Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation"
Monday, 18 March 2013, 10:15 am – 12.15 pm, Conference Room 4, North Lawn Building, United Nations, New York.
Panelists:
- Eric Foner, Clinton Professor of History, Columbia University, author of The Fiery Trial, Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery;
- Dr. Anne Bailey, Associate Professor of African American History, African Diaspora Studies and African History, Binghamton University;
- Dr. Françoise Vergès, President of the French National Comité pour la Mémoire de l’Esclavage (2008-2012).
Presentation and Book Signing
Thursday, 21 March 2013, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm, United Nations Bookshop, United Nations, New York.
A presentation of Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery (2012) by authors
- Deborah Willis, University Professor and Chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging at the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University;
- Barbara Krauthamer, Professor of History, University of Massachusetts Amherst;
and of Black Patriots and Loyalists: Fighting for Emancipation in the War for Independence (2012) by author
- Alan Gilbert, John Evans Professor of History, University of Denver.
This event was open to the public. Information on visiting United Nations Headquarters can be found at the UN Visitors Centre.
Film Screening: "Lincoln" (Steven Spielberg, 2012) (2 hrs 30 mins)
Wednesday, 20 March 2013, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, United States Mission to the United Nations, 799 United Nations Plaza, New York.
The film was introduced by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Tony Kushner.
Global Student Videoconference: "Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation"
Tuesday, 19 March 2013, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Conference Room 4, North Lawn Building, United Nations, New York.
The United Nations Department of Public Information, in collaboration with UNESCO ASPnet programme and an advisory group, organized a global video conference for students from primary and secondary educational institutions in five countries – Denmark, France, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Promotional materials for 2013
You can download "Forever Free: Celebrating Emancipation" campaign materials here in the six official languages of the United Nations, as well as Portuguese and Kiswahili. Click on the links to download the high resolution poster or postcard.
 Arabic |
 Chinese |
 English |
 French |
 Russian |
 Spanish |
 Kiswahili |