Abolition

To mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade a Youth Day Conference took place at Ipswich's St Nicholas Centre. It was hosted by the Zimbabwean Youth which is a group of 6-18 year olds with south African roots who live in the town.

The African History Month in Suffolk was founded by Del White, a passionate woman who enjoys spreading the word to youth about the history of the slave trade. She also runs the educational Nia Project. Nia means 'purpose' in Swahili.

The Youth Day Conference started at 10am with an attendance of about 60! Del opened the event with an inspiring talk about her past encounters with racism and a presentation on the slave trade. The presentation included exactly what the slave trade was, why it is so important to remember its legacy and why it is important to encourage young people to make a difference.

Growing up with racism

After this was a thought-provoking, one man play by Michael Clarke who works with the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality. He played a man who received racial abuse as a schoolboy in the UK, as well as opposition from the parents of a white girl he was going out with. He explained how these experiences made him withdraw in his adult life. The character also felt he was denied promotion at work because of his race.

Piers Gerber

After the sketch, there was a question and answer session with the young audience. They asked him 'why did you let yourself be taken advantage of?' and 'did your experience of a bad relationship make you not trust people?'

Michael gave completely honest answers which challenged our minds. Michael spoke of how he now has a circle of friends and relatives around him and he does not want to let anyone too close to him as he has a fear of being hurt again. He felt his experiences had hardened him to forming new relationships - of being a bit wary.

The play and audience session tried to get us to think about how we shouldn't let racism change who we are.

Cultural dancing

After lunch it was straight back to the action with more role plays and dances by the Zimbabwean Youth which certainly got the audience moving!

Pearl Bolaane, a young girl from Ipswich who attended said: "I liked the presentation because it was educational to all African people and the nation."

All in all the day was very educational and inspiring. There were people from three different continents that attended. Most of all, the Youth seemed to enjoy the event as well.

For details of further African History Month 2007 events pick up a brochure from outlets across Suffolk and read our preview feature by clicking the weblink on the right.