GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The year 2007 marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade with a wealth of commemorative events world-wide, including the West African nation of Ghana, European countries and the United States.
At the forefront of such events in West Michigan is Grand Valley State University who, along with the cooperation of many other area institutions and organizations, is planning a full year of programs under the theme, "Remembering the Crossings: The Struggle to Abolish the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery."
Steeve Buckridge, a member of the Department of History and associate faculty in African/African-American Studies at Grand Valley, and Randal Jelks, Calvin College director of Academic and Multicultural Affairs, are co-chairs of the local committee which includes representatives from Aquinas College, Calvin College, Cooley Law School, Cornerstone University Libraries, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Public Museum of Grand Rapids and the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.
Buckridge said the purpose of the commemoration is to educate the public about the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the residual effects that still linger today. It is estimated that between ten and 21 million Africans were sold into slavery between the 1500s and 1800s. Many Africans were imprisoned in castle dungeons along the West African coast before being crowded onto slave ships that sailed to the Americas and Europe. In 1807 the British Parliament outlawed the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, followed by the U.S. in 1808.
"What started as an area of my own interest and commitment grew into a feeling of duty and responsibility as an educator," said Buckridge, who was born and raised in Jamaica and has lived and taught in South Africa. "After several trips to study the slave castles in Ghana, I knew I had to try to convey the atrocities to others."
The series of programs planned throughout the year include:
- An exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, "Slavery on Trial: The Long Road to Freedom," opening Friday, December 8, 2006 and running through April 29, 2007.
- The launch of the year's activities begins January 25, 2007, when Rev. Dr. E. Obeng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, will be the keynote speaker at 7 p.m., on Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus, Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids.
- GVSU series of guest lectures on the history of the slave trade, slavery and modern human trafficking featuring speakers Orlando Patterson, Kevin Bales, Darlene Clark Hine and David Brion Davis.
- Organized tour of the Underground Railroad with Veta Tucker, GVSU associate professor of English.
- GVSU Art Gallery exhibition, "Them: Images of Separation," featuring guest lecturer David Pilgrim and items from the Ferris State University Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, during February and March.
- A GVSU film festival about Senegal's most admired filmmaker, Ousman Sembene, and screenings of his films "Black Girl" and "Moolaade," March 14-16.
All events are open to the public. For more details about the Atlantic Slave Trade and a complete list of Remembering the Crossings events at area institutions visit www.gvsu.edu/abolition or contact Steeve Buckridge at the GVSU Department of History, (616) 331-3298.
