[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8225]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          BICENTENNIAL OF THE BRITISH ABOLITION OF THE TRANS-
                          ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 
bicentennial of the British abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave 
Trade.
  On March 25, 1807, the British Parliament passed the Abolition of the 
Slave Trade Act. Acknowledging this day 200 years later is extremely 
important because it represents a key event to the abolishment of 
slavery in Great Britain and the United States. Great Britain will 
begin to participate in various commemorative activities. Today, here 
in the United States, the United Nations is also observing the 
bicentennial by convening a special General Assembly session where 
speakers from around the globe will discuss their viewpoints about 
slavery. Rex Nettleford, a historian, will deliver the keynote. I 
applaud and thank the United Nations and Great Britain for recognizing 
the historic importance of the passage of the Abolition of the Slave 
Trade Act.
  There is a need for people in the United States and around the world 
to remember and be reminded of the institution of slavery and its 
impact on the world during times other than Black History Month. The 
immeasurable sacrifices endured by enslaved people are too significant 
to be forgotten. I appreciate the work done by so many people and 
organizations that provide education on slavery and events that led to 
freedom of slaves in the United States and other countries. Educating 
people about slavery and the struggle for freedom provides an excellent 
opportunity to improve race relations, cultural understanding, and 
diversity.
  I have introduced a resolution commemorating the British Abolition of 
the Slave Trade Act. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
resolution. One year from now, the United States will participate in 
activities related to the abolishment of the Trans-Atlantic Slave 
Trade. I look forward to those activities next year.

                          ____________________