Slavery
Belfast and abolition
Many clear-thinking and humane citizens of Belfast campaigned against the slave trade, putting pressure on businesses and people that were part of it.
The slave traders
The trade in enslaved people was one of the most terrible aspects of our history. Some wealthy businessmen in Belfast engaged in it without any criticism from society.
The slave trade and Belfast
Even though the people of Belfast tend to view slavery as something that happened on the other side of the world, many of the city’s businesses were closely linked to it.
What was precolonial West Africa like?
A number of powerful kingdoms developed in precolonial West Africa. They each had their own diverse cultures, art, histories and religions.
The transatlantic slave trade
The transatlantic slave trade was the largest forced migration in history. Over two million Africans died during the journey to the Americas, a journey known as the middle passage.
The experiences of enslaved people
Life as an enslaved person on the plantations was brutal. People still found ways to empower themselves through religion, language, culture, music and revolution.
The abolition of the slave trade
The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was a movement developed in Britain to end the slave trade. However, hundreds of thousands of people remained enslaved.
