Abolition 200 - Bristol commemoration 2007

Introduction

Introduction

Throughout 2007, Bristol commemorated the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Thousands of people attended over 200 related events at venues all over the city ranging from thought-provoking exhibitions and plays to lively debates, talks and  concerts. A major slave trade exhibition, ‘Breaking the Chains’ at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum tells the story of Britain's involvement in the slave trade using artefacts, film and testimony and has received over 50,000 visitors since it opened. The programme for the year aimed to raise awareness of the history of slavery, recognize its resonance today and act as a catalyst for positive change for the future. Read Bristol City Council's Motion of Commemoration here.

Launch of Abolition 200

On Tuesday 27 February 2007, internationally acclaimed jazz musician, Dennis Rollins joined school children from Cabot Junior School in St Pauls, city councillors, and representatives from local communities to launch Bristol's Abolition 200 programme of commemorative events. City council leaders pledged to work towards creating a better future for Bristol's black and minority ethnic communities by focussing on promoting better understanding, raising awareness, commemorative events, and creating a long-lasting legacy that will further promote equality of opportunity for all. . View the city council's press release.

The Legacy Commission

Bristol City Council has recently established a Legacy Commission to take forward the work started during 2007 as part of Abolition 200. The  commission will be made up of three councillors, nominated by their political parties, and nine community members. It will work in partnership with Bristol City Council to ensure effective programmes of work that lead to the mainstreaming of these priorities in three years’ time.

The council has allocated a budget of £250,000 this year. This is expected to attract significant match-funding both regionally and nationally to support this work.

The Legacy Commission has three priorities: Education, Health and Wellbeing and Cultural Representation. It will deliver legacy projects to make Bristol more inclusive by tackling inequality - in particular through strengthened education, training and cultural opportunities for African Caribbean residents.

Contact us

If you would like to find out more please email legacy.commission@bristol.gov.uk

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