Declaration Commemorates Emancipation
A number of people have come together to issue a declaration commemorating the 190th anniversary of the 1834 Emancipation Act.
A spokesperson said, “On July 29, 2024, we, the undersigned – personally or on behalf of organizations – join in this declaration regarding a most significant milestone for Bermuda and other jurisdictions. On August 1, 1834 – 190 years ago – a Bill of the British Parliament took effect, leading to the emancipation of thousands of enslaved people in Bermuda and other territories.
“In observing this 190th anniversary, we express appreciation to all who, over decades, sustained the movement which brought that shift, that renaissance. We also express support for any inquiry into slavery’s impact on subsequent generations and seek to learn from that tragic chapter in human history.
“We understand that the centuries of slavery and the subsequent system of segregation were justified by power elites on the fallacious social construct intended to dehumanize people of colour. In this regard today that we reaffirm the sacred humanity of every one of us who share the planet.
“Those kidnapped from Africa by European traders – assisted by collaborators – and enslaved in the western hemisphere retained their appreciation of their implicit humanity. Consequently, they resisted that gross injustice in various ways, including open rebellion. The people of Haiti were exemplary in that regard, defeating the odds and Napoleon’s troops in 1804.
“Haitians are owed deep appreciation for their role in the movement towards the universal abolition of slavery. Their victory led to the British and U.S. ban on slave trading by 1807. However, Haitian success resulted in centuries of punishment levied by the major empires [see details documented by the New York Times].
“Haitians demonstrated a classic example of global solidarity, which includes fostering a network of support beyond borders. Additionally, abolition activists in London collaborating with Bermuda’s Mary Prince exemplified global solidarity, thus leveraging the August 1, 1834 Emancipation.
“As we view the myriad challenges impacting the planet in 2024, a vital intention of this declaration is to promote global solidarity today. This includes supporting those on the front lines of the climate catastrophe generated by the fossil fuel monopolies, offering support for those impacted by obvious genocidal intent in various countries, and promoting the independence and sustained integrity of the world court and related agencies.
“We invite Bermuda, as we emancipate our minds over this iconic holiday, to pause and reflect. Google the Bermuda ‘Enterprise’ February 1835 story for an early example of global solidarity.
“Signatories include Dr Norma Astwood; Aaron Crichlow; Elizabeth DeJean- Saunders; Rev Howard Dill; Bishop Nicholas Dill; Sen Joan-Dillas- Wright; Maxine Esdaille; Glenn Fubler; Dr June Hill; Wendell Hollis; Dennis Lister MP., Diana Kemp; Maj Cathy Simms; Stacey Williams; and Roy Wright.”
