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London Mayor Sadiq Khan Announces Historic New Memorial for Victims of Transatlantic Slavery

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As part of his five-day trade mission to Africa, London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined his counterpart in Accra to unveil plans for a memorial to victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The new memorial, which will be the first of a global network linked to the landmark memorial planned in London, will stand testament to the one million people who were trafficked from the Gold Coast (present day Ghana) as part of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The memorial will be located in Accra, Ghana, and will be marked by a smaller cowrie shell artwork designed by Khaleb Brooks, which will be linked to a seven-metre tall sculpture in the shape of a bronze cowrie shell, including the names of enslaved people inside and a wind-chime soundscape, expected to be installed in London in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced plans for a new memorial to victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in Accra, Ghana, which will be the first of a global network linked to the landmark memorial planned in London.
  • The new memorial in Accra will stand testament to the one million people who were trafficked from the Gold Coast (present day Ghana) as part of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
  • The memorial will be marked by a smaller cowrie shell artwork designed by Khaleb Brooks, which will be linked to a seven-metre tall sculpture in the shape of a bronze cowrie shell, including the names of enslaved people inside and a wind-chime soundscape, expected to be installed in London in 2026.
  • The memorial will be part of a global network of memorials that will educate future generations about the connections between London's wealth and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
  • The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, stated that the memorial will provide a space for reflection, education, and healing to educate future generations of the painful chapter of their history and its enduring impact.
  • The initiative, in partnership with the Mayor of London, will help in fostering dialogue and building stronger connections between the two communities.

Statistics:

  • 1 million people were trafficked from the Gold Coast (present day Ghana) as part of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
  • The landmark memorial planned in London will be a seven-metre tall sculpture in the shape of a bronze cowrie shell, including the names of enslaved people inside and a wind-chime soundscape.
  • The memorial in London is expected to be installed in 2026.
  • London played a key role in the organisation and funding of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Sources:

  • London Mayor Sadiq Khan
  • Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey
  • Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard
  • Original text: https://www.london.gov.uk/mayor-london-joins-leaders-accra-announce-historic-new-memorial-site-victims-transatlantic-slavery

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