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From The Socialist newspaper, 4 April 2007
Commemorating the abolition of the slave trade
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. The Socialist Party's London Black and Asian group held a public meeting on 22 March in Lambeth to draw attention to this most important event.
Tawanda Nyabango
The excellent work done by the Lambeth Socialist Party branch and others ensured the meeting was well attended. The meeting proceeded as advertised and was chaired by UNISON activist April Ashley.
The main speaker, Hugo Pierre of Tower Hamlets Socialist Party branch, gave a masterly introduction. The essence of his speech centred on the slave revolts, with special reference to the San Domingue (now Haiti) slave rebellion led by Toussaint L'Ouverture. He went on to explain how the revolutionary movement of slaves, freed slaves, sons of slaves and French revolutionaries, forced abolition from below.
The introduction led to a lively discussion, with a particularly moving contribution from a Sudanese speaker. Seeking refuge in Britain from the brutal polices of the Khartoum government, he went on to describe how slavery is still a common practice in Sudan. The discussion also explored various forms of modern day slavery.
We plan to hold our next meeting on 17 April. The introduction will be on youth crime. All are invited to attend. For more details contact the Socialist Party 020 8988 8777.
To read Hugo Pierre's article on the abolition of the slave trade go to www.socialistparty.org.uk/2007/479
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
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In The Socialist 4 April 2007:
Children suffer in low pay Britain
Socialist Party editorial
Iran - Sailors fall victim to imperialist policies
Socialist Party news and analysis
Blair: No solutions to crime or crowded prisons
Waltham Forest protest - more memorable than Prince Charles!
Commemorating the abolition of the slave trade
Socialist Party reviews
Education
Take national action to defend education
Labour's market policies damage education
Privilege and privation in our schools
NUS leadership abandon fees fight
PCS takes industrial action
London strikers close passport office
PCS members take industrial action
Campaign for a New Workers Party
How to stop the BNP: Build a political alternative
Campaign for a New Workers' Party
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Ammanford home care workers march
Asylum
Leicester protesters challenge Home Office
Workplace news and analysis
Trade union leaders heckled over inaction
Action needed as Ford bosses close Leamington plant
Greenwich: "We've got to strike"
Burslem postal workers strike again
Northern Ireland
British government and local parties retreat on water charges
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