Communities Minister commemorates the abolition of the slave trade
Communities Minister Andrew Stunell has taken part in a ceremony to mark the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
A procession of people in traditional African dress marked the start of the ceremony
皇冠体育app event, took place at the , to promote understanding of the slave trade and the consequences being felt today.
Mr Stunell鈥檚 speech emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges of modern day slavery, discrimination and disadvantage and the government鈥檚 commitment to tackling race inequality.
Mr Stunell said:
鈥淎cceptance and understanding of our past is important in moving towards a future which is free of intolerance and racism.
鈥溁使谔逵齛pp government is committed to working to combat racial discrimination, as well as equality for all. We are also helping fight modern day slavery by addressing the root causes - poverty and inequality - in the developing world.鈥�
Carnivals and performances are being held today in Bristol and London and will be followed by a programme of educational events throughout the year.
皇冠体育app Department for Communities and Local Government wants to break down the barriers that small voluntary and community organisations can face. 皇冠体育app minister will announce that workshops are to be held in the autumn which will help Black and Minority Ethnic-led organisations access funding for educational and heritage events (including those on the remembrance of slavery and the slave trade).