2007 will mark 200 years since the passing of the 1807 Parliamentary Act to end the Transatlantic Slave Trade. As it approaches, many are asking why we should mark something that happened so long ago. The answer is simple. Because it is not yet over. The 500 years of economic, social and psychological harm caused by chattel enslavement makes it not only one of the world’s greatest crimes against humanity but also, through the on-going legacies experienced by communities all over the world, very present, real and relevant to our lives now.

There are very different views about the significance of 2007, what this ‘anniversary’ means to people and whether it should even be considered as a commemorative year at all. ROV’s programme of work in the lead up to and throughout 2007, aims to bring together these different views and experiences to develop a deeper understanding that will lead to:

• Meaningful events being held in 2007 that will significantly impact on people’s understanding of themselves and others within their communities;
• New discussions taking place around these issues and new awareness about the extent to which the Transatlantic Slave Trade has impacted on communities and society at large, which at present, is minimal;
• Experience and expertise on these issues which hasn’t yet been mainstreamed to be shared, influencing thinking on a national scale;
• Putting these issues out into the public domain as a matter of national importance and urgency.

2007 could be an opportunity for Britain to rethink its history completely. If this happens, it could transform strategies and agendas and begin to address some of the contemporary realities in Britain which exist as a result of this 500-year legacy. This is a very integral part of the healing process which as a country, we have not yet begun to do and the wounds of chattel enslavement remain very much open and painful.