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- African Voices Against Slavery: Exhibition at UCL East
- AFRAB Exhibition: Ethiopian Voices Against Slavery
- AFRAB Exhibition: ‘East African Voices’ exhibition in Mombasa
- AFRAB Exhibition: Nigerian Voices Against Slavery
African Voices Against Slavery: Exhibition at UCL East
The objective of the exhibition was to shed light on the efforts made by many African individuals and groups to challenge the institution of slavery and the slave trade, from the late 18th century to the present day. The exhibition invited visitors to reflect on the testimonies of Africans who struggled to eradicate slavery and support its victims in various regions at different points in time. Contextualising information and accompanying images were provided to elucidate the African abolitionist voices depicted in the posters.
The exhibition launch took place on 3 December at 6pm at UCL East's Marshgate Building and featured contributions from a number of prominent contemporary African anti-slavery human rights activists and academics, as well as the UCL-based research team involved in the AFRAB research project. The exhibition remained open until 17 December 2024.
To mark the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on Monday 2 December, the AFRAB project organised a roundtable discussion with the leaders of contemporary anti-slavery movements in West Africa, who spoke about their struggles to eradicate slavery and support its victims in their countries.
On Monday 25 November, Professor Benedetta Rossi held a seminar to introduce the recent history and activities of the West African anti-slavery movements whose leaders will spoke at the roundtable on 2 December.
AFRAB Exhibition: Ethiopian Voices Against Slavery
Lead organiser: Dr Alexander Meckelburg “Ethiopian Abolitionist Voices” at the Institute for Ethiopian Studies
14 November 2024 – 15 December 2024
The AFRAB team in Ethiopia inaugurated the exhibition “Ethiopian Abolitionist Voices” at the Institute for Ethiopian Studies (IES), Addis Ababa University.
The opening of the exhibition was part of a two-day event that included a symposium featuring research presentations by the AFRAB Ethiopia team (14 November 2024) and a teacher training workshop (15 November 2024).
Symposium and Exhibition Opening: 14 November 2024
The symposium began with a keynote address delivered by Dr. Teferi Mekonnen, Vice-Director of the IES, who provided an insightful overview of slavery studies in Ethiopia.
Dr. Teferi remarked:
"There is scant scholarship on Ethiopian slavery, resulting in significant blind spots in Ethiopian historiography. This oversight necessitates a reassessment of historical discourses to achieve a more balanced understanding of this complex issue. Scholars are increasingly calling for comprehensive, interdisciplinary research into the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of slavery to fully grasp its legacy and current implications."
This sentiment resonated with many participants, who emphasized the importance of both academic and public engagement to address the historical omissions and counter the politicization of slavery in Ethiopia’s past.
Following this, Dr. Giulia Bonacci (IRD) delivered a public lecture focusing on the Afro-American perspective on Ethiopian abolitionism, particularly Ethiopia’s pivotal role in Pan-African politics. Dr. Bonacci explored the tension between Ethiopia’s image as a beacon of anti-colonial struggle and independence, and its historical reality as a society that practiced slavery. By reflecting on the voices of Afro-American and Afro-Caribbean intellectuals who visited and worked in Ethiopia, the lecture broadened perspectives, challenging Western-centric narratives and integrating Ethiopian slavery into global histories of Africa.
The second session of the day featured a panel discussion on Ethiopian abolitionist voices. Professors Ahmed Hassen (AAU), Takele Merid (Director of the IES), Dr. Yonas Ashine (AAU), and Mr. Oljira Tujuba (Kotebe University) presented research on various facets of abolitionism in Ethiopia, including historical writings, biographical sketches of abolitionists, and the role of institutions like the Love and Service Association and the Anti-Slavery Department.
The day concluded with the official opening of the exhibition “Ethiopian Abolitionist Voices, 1923–1942”, curated by Dr. Alexander Meckelburg (UCL) in collaboration with Ethiopian researchers. Presentations by Dr. Meckelburg, Dr. Yonas Ashine, and Prof. Benedetta Rossi (UCL) provided context for the exhibit, which highlights the Ethiopian perspective on abolitionism.
Workshop and Teacher Training: 15 November 2024
The second day was dedicated to an intensive workshop for early-career researchers and history students, focusing on integrating slavery studies into Ethiopian curricula.
Prof. Benedetta Rossi (UCL) opened with a lecture on teaching about slavery in a global and African history curriculum. AFRAB team member Oljira Tujuba presented an analysis of how slavery is addressed in Ethiopian educational curricula, from secondary school history to university-level courses. He highlighted gaps in coverage, noting that while Red Sea trade and transatlantic slavery are mentioned, domestic slavery and abolition struggles remain underexplored. The workshop included discussions on methodologies and sources for studying abolitionism, ranging from travel accounts and archival materials to literature and fieldwork. AFRAB team members actively engaged participants, sharing approaches and practical insights for researching abolitionism in Ethiopia.
The two days ended for the 50 participants with group reflections on the core issues and their perceptions as well as the handing over of certificates of participation.
Public Lecture at Gambella University: 23 November 2024
Dr. Alexander Meckelburg extended the impact of the Addis symposium and workshop by presenting a public lecture at Gambella University in southwestern Ethiopia. Titled “History of Slavery and Abolition in Ethiopia: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives,” the lecture was attended by approximately 30 staff and students from the university’s History, Anthropology, and Sociology departments.
Dr. Meckelburg provided an overview of Ethiopian slavery and abolition, addressing the challenges of integrating these topics into Ethiopia’s historiography. He highlighted the need for new sources and methodologies to investigate these themes. The second part of the lecture focused on the Ethiopian-centric narrative of abolition, using panels and materials from the Addis exhibition to spark discussion.
During the Q&A session, participants reflected on the ongoing politicization of Ethiopia’s history of slavery, where some groups are portrayed as historical perpetrators and others as victims. Despite Gambella University’s limited resources and its location in a conflict-prone area, attendees expressed appreciation for the lecture and its relevance to their context.
The exhibition “Ethiopian Abolitionist Voices, 1923–1942” remained open to the public until 15 December 2024.
Teachers training workshop at the Institute of Advanced Studies AAU.
Exhibition opening panel-Yonas Ashine presents his paper.
Giulia Bonacci gives keynote lecture.
Yonas Ashine introduces visitors to AFRAB exhibition at IES AAU
Alexander Meckelburg discusses some panels with visitors at the exhibition opening.
Mr. Daniel Tedros, grandson of Hakim (Dr.) Workneh Eshete-talks at the exhibition opening.
Alexander Meckelburg with staff and students at Gambela University.
Alexander Meckleburg presents on Ethiopian abolitionism at Gambela University
AFRAB Exhibition: ‘East African Voices’ exhibition in Mombasa
Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa, Kenya
On 12 September 2024 AFRAB’s team in Kenya opened an exhibition at Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa, in collaboration with National Museums Kenya. The exhibition highlighted the contributions of several key East African figures who positioned themselves in opposition to slavery.
Some of the prominent figures highlighted include David Koi (also known as Abe Sidi), William Henry Jones, and Seyyid Ali bin Said bin Sultan. Dr Michelle Liebst of UCL, commented: "Typically, exhibitions and heritage sites suggest that Europeans were wholly responsible for the ending of slavery in the East African region, which we know isn't the case. This exhibition highlights the contributions of so many complex historical characters, who took great risks as they opposed the slave trade or slavery."
FIGURE 1 FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MAXWELL KIBET, THOMAS KADENGE, SAADU HASHIM (NMK) AND MICHELLE LIEBST (UCL). PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO (NMK).
The exhibition is based on original and secondary research and features a carefully curated collection of images held in African, European and American archives, as well as contemporary art and photography. It is accompanied by a handheld Swahili translation of the exhibition text.
Abdul Rahman Ndegwa, Head of Heritage at Swahilipot Mombasa, noted that, "What stands out about this exhibition is the attempt to bring to the surface these muted narratives about slave trade and enslaved people, and with that the role of coastal communities in both the trade and its abolition.”
Mr Ndegwa continued, “Slave trade in the Swahili coast in the context of people and place is part of our cultural past. We the young people of today need to interact with these narratives through this exhibition and further interrogate its consequences, and really understand how places like Frere Town came to be."
To inform the shape and tone of the exhibition, a workshop was held three months in advance of its opening on 12 June 2024. Bringing together local stakeholders, including activists, community leaders, curators, and administrators, the workshop was a forum for discussion on how slavery and abolition are currently presented in Kenya’s heritage context and schools. The stakeholders advised on how to represent this history to which they are closely connected.
FIGURE 3 PARTICIPANTS FROM THE STAKHOLDER WORKSHOP ON 12 JUNE 2024. PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
The opening of the exhibition was marked by a symposium involving leading researchers from East Africa including Professor George Abungu (Okello Abungu Heritage Consultants), Professor Samuel Nyanchoga (Catholic University of Eastern Africa), Dr Salvatory Nyanto (University of Dar es Salaam), and Dr Saada Wahab (State University of Zanzibar). The audience of the event included curators, activists, and community leaders who were local to the coastal region of Kenya. Sophie Otiende, a prominent anti-slavery activist in East Africa today, also presented and summarised her survivor-led approach. The final session of the day featured the work of up-and-coming junior researchers from Kenya and Tanzania. Roy Bahati, local Mombasa artist, believes that more events like these, “will contribute immensely on the progress of society as a whole”.
FIGURE 4 DR SALVATORY NYANTO (UDSM) AND PROFESSOR BENEDETTA ROSSI (UCL) DISCUSSING THE EXHIBITION. PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE LIEBST.
FIGURE 5 GEORGE ABUNGU PROVIDING OPENING WORDS FOR THE SYMPOSIUM ON 12 SEPTEMBER 2024. PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
FIGURE 6 PROFESSOR SAMUEL NYANCHOGA DELIVERING THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE SYMPOSIUM, SITTING ALONGSIDE DR SAADA WAHAB (SUZA) AND DR SALVATORY NYANTO (UDSM) (LEFT TO RIGHT). PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
FIGURE 7 SOPHIE OTIENDE SPEAKING AT THE SYMPOSIUM. PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
Many of the symposium attendees commented on the importance of bringing this history of East African opposition to slavery to light. Philip M. Wanyama, an Assistant Research Scientist at the Archaeology Department Fort Jesus (National Museums Kenya) noted that, “The discourse on slavery, slave trade should be enhanced and encouraged among the local communities, private and public institutions, policy and decision-makers, rather than silencing it”.
This exhibition features findings from collaborative research conducted in the framework of the project “African abolitionism: The Rise and Transformations of Anti-Slavery in Africa” (AFRAB, which received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the Horizon2020 research and innovation program of the European Union (grant agreement no. 885418).
FIGURE 8 VISITORS AT THE EXHIBITION. PHOTOGRAPH BY SAADU HASHIM.
FIGURE 9 ON THE LAST PANEL OF THE EXHIBITION VISITORS ARE INVITED TO SHARE THOUGHTS ON WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO THEM. PHOTOGRAPH BY SAADU HASHIM.
FIGURE 10. VISITORS AT THE EXHIBITION.
FIGURE 11. VISITORS AT THE EXHIBITION.
FIGURE 12. PATRICK ABUNGU SPEAKING AT THE SYMPOSIUM. PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
FIGURE 13. SALVATORY NYANTO DELIVERING HIS PAPER AT THE SYMPOSIUM. PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
FIGURE 14. FATMA TWAHIR AND SAADU HASHIM, NATIONAL MUSEUMS KENYA AT THE SYMPOSIUM. SECOND ROW: PATRICK ABUNGU (NMK). PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
FIGURE 15. AUDIENCE MEMBERS AT THE SYMPOSIUM. PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
FIGURE 16. JUNIOR RESEARCHER'S FORUM. PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
FIGURE 17. THOMAS KADENGE DELIVERING HIS PAPER AT THE JUNIOR RESEARCHER'S FORUM. PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHIKOYE STEVE OKOKO.
FIGURE 18. MAGUMBA JAMES MAGONGO, HAPPINESS MSACKY AND DR MICHELLE LIEBST AT THE SYMPOSIUM.
FIGURE 19. PROF ABUNGU, PROF ROSSI, DR WAHAB AND PROF NYANCHOGA AT THE SYMPOSIUM.
AFRAB Exhibition: Nigerian Voices Against Slavery
July 8 - August 10
AFRAB’s Nigeria team held an exhibition at the Nigerian National Museum in Lagos that ran for five weeks. The theme of the exhibition was "Nigerian Voices Against Slavery." It featured key figures and movements against slavery from the 19th century to the present. Some of the prominent figures highlighted included Olaudah Equiano, Nicolas Said, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, James Johnson, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and many more. Key movements showcased included the Lagos Auxiliary of the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society, the Ohu abolition movement in Northern Igboland, and both the historical and contemporary Osu abolition movements, among others. The exhibition was open to the public and was visited by university and secondary school students. As part of the exhibition, AFRAB’s Nigerian team organised three workshops at the museum for different stakeholders.
Students' Workshop at the Nigerian National Museum Onikan Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria July 25, 2024:
The workshop introduced students from various Nigerian universities to AFRAB's research. It featured lectures on research methodology and archival research. Additionally, through guided discussions, group activities, and creative projects, the students used the exhibition as inspiration to develop their own creative activities.
Researchers, Teachers, and Lecturers Workshop at the Nigerian National Museum Onikan Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria July 26, 2024:
Participants were introduced to AFRAB's research and engaged in discussions on how to integrate this research into the curriculum. The workshop provided a variety of teaching materials, including primary sources, digital archives, and guidance on designing lectures. Additionally, there were discussions on archival research, best practices for fostering critical thinking, and strategies to encourage students to draw connections between historical events and contemporary social issues.
Campaigners and Community Stakeholders’ Workshop at the Nigerian National Museum Onikan Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria July 27, 2024:
This workshop was specifically designed for campaigners, activists, media representatives, and community stakeholders. It aimed to draw connections between the campaign against status-based slavery, such as the Osu and Ohu caste systems, and contemporary efforts to combat human trafficking and forced labor. The workshop provided a platform for campaigners to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the fight against modern-day slavery. Collaborative sessions focused on developing new approaches and strengthening networks among participants to enhance the effectiveness of their campaigns.
