This weekend, Edinburgh joined cities around the world in marking the UNESCO International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This annual event on 23 August provides an important opportunity to reflect on the historical roots, practices and lasting consequences of slavery.
In honour of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, a special remembrance concert took place at St Cecilia’s Hall on Friday (22 August).
Hosted by the Edinburgh Slavery & Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group and supported by Historic Environment Scotland, the performance featured live music, dance and spoken word from diverse local artists.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “This day is not only about remembrance, but also responsibility. By acknowledging Edinburgh’s links to slavery and colonialism, we honour the memory of those who suffered and reaffirm our commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive city for the future.
“I’m grateful to the members of the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group who continue to take forward the recommendations that were made to Council.
“These address the Capital’s historical links to slavery and colonialism and how they should be remembered in today’s Edinburgh. By reflecting on the Capital’s colonial links, we can better recognise its enduring legacy in our city and pay tribute to those who fought for its abolition.”
Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “Today we pause to reflect on how our shared past continues to shape the present and the future.
“The history of slavery carved deep scars. Its echoes resound in divisions, in the barriers, in the racism we encounter still. To acknowledge this legacy with honesty, is the first step to more just and united society.
“Marking this day is not about reopening old wounds. It opens our eyes. It teaches us to remember. We do so to ensure that the injustices of the past are never repeated, and that our communities, our institutions, and our workplaces stand firmly against discrimination in all its forms.
“Our commitment is clear: to speak when silence would excuse wrong, to challenge what is unjust, to support what is fair, to listen with respect, and to continue learning from one another.
“When racism appears, we will not look away. We will answer it with fairness, with courage, and with solidarity for those most affected.
“Remembrance is not a single day. It is a living promise to uphold dignity, equality, and respect. That is what ‘never again’ means.”
Ranald MacInnes, Head of Outreach and Learning at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “This event is an important moment for reflection and connection. At HES, we are committed to working with communities to expand our knowledge and explore the legacy of empire.
“Understanding our shared past is an important part in addressing inequality and helps to ensure our heritage tells diverse and inclusive stories that belong to everyone.”
International Day for Remembrance of Slave Trade: ‘Time to abolish exploitation once and for all’
Victims of atrocities and freedom fighters across history can inspire future generations to build just societies,the chief of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said on the occasion of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, commemorated annually on 23 August.
“It is time to abolish human exploitation once and for all and to recognise the equal and unconditional dignity of each and every individual,” Ms. Azoulay said.
The Day is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples.
‘The fight is not over’
Echoing the goals of UNESCO’s intercultural project The Routes of Enslaved Peoples, it should offer an opportunity for collective consideration of the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of this tragedy and for an analysis of the interactions to which it has given rise between Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, said the UN agency, which leads the annual commemoration.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said that while the Day honours the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, “the fight is not over.”
“Modern slavery persists,” she stated. “Let’s confront injustice, past and present and uphold the dignity and rights of every person.”
On the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, in then Saint Domingue, now Haiti, saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
Against this background, the International Day is commemorated around the world. It was first celebrated in a number of countries, including in 1998 in Haiti and in 1999 on Gorée Island in Senegal, where millions of enslaved people had been forced onto ships to cross the ocean.
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“Today, let us remember the victims and freedom fighters of the past so that they may inspire future generations to build just societies,” UNESCO’s Ms. Azoulay said.
A civic reception to recognise the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (August 23) was held on Wednesday evening at the City Chambers.
The event, hosted by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Cammy Day, also officially launched the work of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group (ESCLRIG). The reception provided a space to remember the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, time to reflect on its legacy in our city, and honour those figures who fought for its abolition.
The reception opened with speeches from distinguished guests before the screening of ‘Sugar for Your Tea’, a short film from Edinburgh’s own Kayus Bankole from the Mercury Prize winning group Young Fathers. This was followed by moments for reflection and group discussions on key issues.
Back in 2020, Edinburgh agreed to address historic racial injustice and stem modern day discrimination by holding an independent review into the city’s historical links with slavery and colonialism.
Between December 2020 and July 2022, the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Group, chaired by Sir Geoff Palmer, undertook a significant body of work investigating the city’s past and present relationship with slavery and colonialism.
In March 2023, Irene Mosota was nominated to chair the ESCLRIG which will take forward the remaining recommendations. In the last month the ESCLRIG has been recruiting for members of the core Implementation Group and also for a wider Supporters Network. The results of this recruitment drive have now been finalised and a full list of members is now available following the quotes below.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “It was an honour to host this first civic reception with the Council Leader to recognise the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. It is imperative that as a city we look to our past in order to better understand our present and look forward to a better future.
“Edinburgh, like many other cities in the UK, was enriched by its position in the British Empire and grew at the expense of people and communities around the world. In my position as Lord Provost, I reiterate this apology on behalf of the city of Edinburgh for our historical links to slavery and colonialism. I am clear that this apology will be the start of this collective journey forward for the city.
“We want this civic reception to be the start of an annual tradition of commemoration and learning here in Edinburgh for everyone who is associated with the Capital on this day. The work of the ESCLRIG will continue year-round to shape the modern, forward thinking, and diverse city that we all want to see.”
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The commemoration of the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition represents a key step in our work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism here in Edinburgh.
“We must be under no illusions that racism and the legacies of slavery and colonialism continue to impact the lives of Black and Minority Ethnic people who live in and visit Edinburgh. This is completely unacceptable, and I am committed to leading an anti-racist Council in our actions and unconditional support of the ESCLRIG.
I” am proud that we are having these difficult conversations and forging the foundations for a more tolerant, just, and equal Edinburgh. It is crucial that as a city and a society we come to terms with our past in order to create a better present and future.
“I look forward to working closely with the ESCLRIG going forward, and seeing their progress as they undertake this key work for our city.”
Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “Today, we have to face up to our past and look ahead to what’s next.
“Our history is complex, marked by the weight of slavery and colonialism, which has left behind a legacy of racism that we still see in our city and its institutions. On this UNESCO Day of Remembrance, let’s work together to make changes, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and sticking to our commitment for a better future.
“Part of this work is to ensure that we listen to the voices of communities which have long been marginalised, centring their lived experiences to inform how we move forward.
“Everyone must play their part and warm words alone are not enough. We need concrete action from business communities, educational authorities, and government to combat both structural and systemic inequalities.
“The excitement about our recruitment drive shows that Edinburgh really wants to change – it’s an opportunity to reconsider our history and traditions, heal old hurts, and create a future that’s fair and just for all.”
The names and bios of the members of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group are listed below:
Irene Mosota – Chairperson: Irene Mosota, MSc, FRSA, is a social enterprise practitioner and Deputy Chair for Social Enterprise Scotland with experience in delivering a variety of social and community projects. An advocate for Social Justice, Human Rights, and Dignity for all. She is fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). With a Master in Science in Intercultural Business Communications, Ms Mosota is the founder and managing director of Knowledge Bridge, which supports organisations in translating equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and sustainability strategies into meaningful action, change and impact.
Abimbola Adeola – Adeola obtained a first (Bachelors) degree in Political Science from the Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University and bagged his Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the prestigious University of Lagos. He is an associate member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. He is the MD, 27 July Ltd, a complete media/content production company.
Alex Stobart – Alex works for Mydex, a Community Interest Company (CIC), which provides identity and personal data services to citizens and organisations across the public, private and third sectors in the UK. Alex has worked in technology, food and drinks industries, in the third sector and the public sector in Scotland, UK and Europe. Alex is also a Board Member of Birthlink.
Anila Mirza – Anila Mirza works as the Equality Manager at Historic Environment Scotland. She has previously worked at Shakti Women`s Aid where she worked closely with women who have no recourse to public funds and campaigns to promote women’s rights, justice, and equality for all women. Anila has an in-depth knowledge of issues related to the migrant communities in Scotland. She is the co-editor of ‘Real Women: Unheard Stories-based on true stories of migrant women in Scotland and also a published poet for a poetry collection `Fire In Me`.
Asif Khan – Asif is the director of the Scottish Poetry Library (SPL). Based in Edinburgh, the SPL is home to the nation’s collection of modern Scottish poetry. Asif has worked on numerous projects engaging African diaspora communities and themes at home and abroad, including as a producer of the Jamaica Rising and Yardstick poetry festivals, and in his role as a senior cultural policy advisor for the UK’s Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade programme in 2007.
Christina Sinclair – Christina Sinclair, MSc MA BArch IHBC, is the Director of Edinburgh World Heritage – the independent charity dedicated to the proactive conservation of our beautiful city, for the benefit of all. From studying architecture on Edinburgh’s Chambers Street and a Masters in European Urban Conservation, through years dedicated to positively and proactively managing change in historic places across the sectors, she is a passionate ambassador for Edinburgh’s outstanding historic environment.
Grant Mackenzie – Grant is an experienced Strategic Leader, Project Manager and Consultant with over 20-years of experience in delivering cultural projects. He recently delivered the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum project, recontextualising the Museum exhibition’s interpretation. Also worked on the Kelpies/Helix project, National Museums Scotland and the British Museum. A long-standing Edinburgh resident, who is keen to ensure that our history tells the real story of the past. Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group Members
Harry Mould – Harry Mould (they/she) is a mixed-heritage and neurodiverse artist and Wellbeing Facilitator. They are currently the Federation of Scottish Theatre’s first Policy and Public Affairs Lead, focusing on advocacy and inclusion, and was a member of the HiPA working group, which produced two guides combatting harassment in the performing arts. Harry was the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh’s first EDI Associate, one of the founding team members of Bolton Pride festival and is a graduate of Stonewall’s Role Model programme.
Harry Ross – Harry is a teaching artist, producer, and librettist who has been commissioned globally – from Théâtre des Champs- Elysées to New National Theatre Tokyo. He was founding producer of Secret Cinema, and then worked to create art experiences that bring minoritised histories to life with The National Trust, The National Archives, and Kensington and Chelsea Culture. Currently he is creative director of Army at the Fringe; commissioning art and theatre that deals with the diversity, inclusivity, and utility of the armed forces in society, and a PhD candidate at Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement.
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi – Kenneth joined the University of Edinburgh in 2010. He has an expert level knowledge of developing and emerging economies. He has an extensive network in Africa and is currently a Visiting Professor of Leadership and Financial Markets in Africa, London School of Economics, a Visiting Professor of Strategy at the Lagos Business School, Nigeria, and an Honorary Professor of Business in Africa at the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Kenneth Barker – Ken recently retired as a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co where he headed their fixed income client business. He also served as a director of Scottish Financial Enterprise from 2014 to 2018. Prior to his career in asset management, Ken worked in investment banking in London for JP Morgan and Banque Paribas. Ken is a graduate in Political Science of the University of Glasgow and a Charterholder of the CFA Institute. Ken is Chair of Trustees with The David Hume Institute.
Dr Melissa Moncrieffe – Dr. Melissa Moncrieffe is Jamaican-American and the Founder and Director of Valued Educational Services (VES), a global education company based in the UK and the USA. Dr. Moncrieffe has years of professional and academic experiences in the arts (visual and piano), international studies, languages, education, and history. Dr. Moncrieffe obtained her Masters in International Studies at The Graduate Institute in Geneva and her PhD in Education from The University of Edinburgh.
Nava Rizvi – Nava Rizvi is an art historian and artist whose practice and research interests revolve around cultural memory, (de)colonial theory and practices, themes of identity and belonging as well as language and third culture. She graduated in December 2022 with an MSc. in History of Art, Theory and Display from the University of Edinburgh and has been a Curatorial Fellow for the Future Flow project with Edinburgh Printmakers.
Professor Roger Jeffrey – Roger Jeffery was Professor of Sociology of South Asia at the University of Edinburgh from 1997 to 2020. Starting in 1970 he has been involved in many sociological research projects in different South Asian countries. He was a co-founder of the University’s Centre for South Asian Studies and is Associate Director of its Edinburgh India Institute; he is also a Trustee of the Edinburgh Indian Association.
Stephen Kelly – Stephen has lived in Edinburgh since 1989 having moved here the day after leaving school in North Lanarkshire. He studied in Edinburgh, qualified to teach Physics and Mathematics, and then began working in Edinburgh schools in 1995. He is currently on secondment to the post of Head of Education; his substantive post is Headteacher of Liberton High School where he has been in post since 2012.
