EVENTS: THE MARCH OF THE ABOLITIONISTS

Last July many newspapers carried a story about Andrew Hawkins, a descendant of England's first slave trader, Sir John Hawkins, who made an apology for the slave trade in the Gambia at the International Roots Festival - see  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5105328.stm.  Andrew was with the Lifeline Expedition, which has been journeying round the Atlantic world bringing their unique form of apology with whites walking in yokes and chains. Their action is also a dramatic way of highlighting contemporary slavery.

The final stage of this epic 7year journey will conclude this year with the March of the Abolitionists, which is a National Project for the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade. There will be two walks – the first a 200mile journey from Hull to Westminster from March 1-24 and the second journey linking the former slave ports of London, Bristol and Liverpool from June 4 – July 11. The march will be linking up with a 41 metre sailing ship s/y Next Wave recently purchased by Youth With A Mission at some of the ports along the way.

The purpose of the March is:

• to bring an apology for the slave trade (especially the role of the church) and to help those we meet deal with its legacy.
• to engage with schools, public forums and the media about the true history of slavery and abolition, promoting greater understanding, reconciliation and forgiveness.
• to remember the black and white abolitionists of 200 years ago and wholeheartedly support the current campaigns seeking to end the atrocity of contemporary slavery.

The March of the Abolitionists is a huge undertaking and looks like Mission Impossible, but

“nothing is impossible with God.” As David Pott comments, “I have been reminded that it is normal that expeditions involve risks - slave trading expeditions were risky ventures, so as we seek to undo the damage initiated by the slave trade, it should be no surprise that we face challenges recruiting the right crew and getting investors on board.”

Why not join in the March next year or offer your help to make the impossible happen? To find out more visit www.lifelineexpedition.co.uk/mota or email lifelinex@fountaingate.co.uk.

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