Following on the "love theme", and Bonnie's post with the example of William Wilberforce, I thought you all might be interested in the news item of renaming certain streets in Liverpool. It seems that the famous "Penny Lane" was named after a wealthy, locally well-known slaver, as are several other streets in the city. There is a good deal of background information in the article," 'Penny Lane' Revives Memories of Slavery"
It appears that
"Liverpool council member Barbara Mace last year proposed renaming streets associated with slavery, and was surprised to learn that Penny Lane was among them. After a lively controversy the proposal was withdrawn. "
The city council, which formally apologized in 1999, wants to recognize that part of its history in light of today's convictions regarding slavery and its tragic human toll, though the idea of changing street names does not seem to be the route they will follow.
There are reasons to revisit the history and think upon the struggle against slavery, however:
Anti-Slavery International, founded by the leaders of Britain's abolition movement, estimates that 12 million people are in some form of slavery today, as bonded laborers or in the sex trade.Slavery is now illegal everywhere, said Beth Herzfeld of Anti-Slavery International, but "laws today are not being implemented."
"We have to not just reflect on the reality and horrors of the slave trade but to see that people power had a very important role in overthrowing the trade, and that people today still have a role to play," she said.
Another fact mentioned in the article is the role that the rising Quaker movement played:"abolitionists - a mass movement built on networks of Quakers, with Sharp, Wilberforce and Clarkson in prominent leadership roles. "
This underlines the importance of people allowing their faith to act out in the public forum as a force for good. The Quakers of that time were never primarily a social gospel movement, but one of sincere personal faith. It just isn't likely that a lively faith will be safely bottled up in "private religion" as it is "wished for" today. In quotes, because that is how I would personally express it.
It is not just a token or superficial effort to give attention to this, not just some PC hoop to jump through. The history and destiny of slavery, freedom, and our dual ideals of equality and the dignity of man are intertwined. The struggle is not yet over, and proper recognition of history helps to remind us.
Noticing within the article is the mention of slavery today in league with the sex trade. I have long held that there is an unholy alliance between the two institutions in society. I think it hinges on the basic demeaning of humans.
Women in society and slavery .... why do these two subjects so often come together in discussion?
...but that is a topic for another day.
Hope you enjoyed this little stroll down history's Penny Lane today;)
