International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

March 24, 2025 *

March 25 marks the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This solemn occasion is a time to acknowledge the millions of lives devastated by one of history’s most inhumane systems. The transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, which spanned centuries, forcibly displaced people from Africa to the Americas, stripping them of their freedom while enriching imperial powers.

Yet, this day is not only about remembering the past; it is about repairing the present and forging a future of dignity and justice. The legacies of slavery—racism, economic disparities, and social injustices—continue to affect communities worldwide. Education is one of the most powerful tools in dismantling these structures, and through academic research, we can shed light on the resilience, contributions, and histories of African and African-descended people across the diaspora.

Exploring the Harriet Tubman Institute’s Collections

To support this essential dialogue, we highlight crucial academic resources hosted on ScienceOpen that provide critical insight into African and African diasporic studies.

The Harriet Tubman Institute

The Harriet Tubman Institute (HTI) is dedicated to researching the histories of Africa and its diasporas, covering topics from pre-colonial African civilizations to the ongoing struggles for social justice. By fostering scholarly debates and engaging with the broader community, the institute plays a vital role in documenting and analyzing the impact of slavery and colonialism, as well as contemporary forms of racial discrimination and exploitation.

As an interdisciplinary center, the HTI works to ensure that the voices of African and African-descended people are amplified in academia and public policy. By studying both historical oppression and modern movements for justice, the institute fosters a greater understanding of how we can combat racial inequalities today.

HTI Journal of African and African Diasporic Studies (JAADS)

The HTI Journal of African and African Diasporic Studies (JAADS) is a peer-reviewed, bilingual publication dedicated to advancing knowledge on African and African-descended communities worldwide. It welcomes research on a broad spectrum of topics, including:

Labour and migration
Expressive culture and belief systems
Oral traditions and histories
Politics, economics, and social justice
Gender and sexualities
Science, health, and well-being

By providing a platform for emerging and established scholars, JAADS encourages critical discussions that highlight the historical and contemporary realities of Black communities across the world. The journal actively invites contributions in both English and French, ensuring accessibility to a diverse academic audience.

Why This Research Matters

Understanding the histories and lived experiences of African and African-descended people is essential in addressing the systemic inequalities that persist today. Through initiatives like the Harriet Tubman Institute and JAADS, researchers and practitioners collaborate to identify problems, propose solutions, and inspire meaningful change.

The Ongoing Legacy of Slavery and Colonialism

The transatlantic slave trade did not only strip millions of their freedom—it laid the foundation for systemic injustices that persist today. Economic disparities, racial discrimination, and state violence against marginalized communities are deeply rooted in histories of exploitation. Understanding these legacies requires a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as critical diversity studies, decolonization research, and state crime analysis.

Pluto Journals, a leading publisher of critical scholarship, provides valuable perspectives on these enduring issues. The International Journal of Critical Diversity Studies examines how colonial histories continue to shape modern institutions, policies, and social structures. Articles such as “A’joot: Ethics, Rights and Values Spoken from the Stomach and Heart” challenge dominant narratives on human rights and call for a rethinking of justice from the perspective of historically oppressed communities.

Similarly, the State Crime Journal offers a critical framework for analyzing how state institutions have facilitated racial and economic oppression, both historically and in the present day. The journal examines cases where governments and legal systems have upheld racial hierarchies, suppressed movements for justice, and failed to provide reparations for historical injustices. From colonial rule to present-day policing and incarceration, state crimes take many forms, often disguising systemic harm as governance or security. By exposing these structures, the journal contributes to ongoing efforts to challenge impunity and advocate for accountability.

As we observe the International Day of Remembrance, let us commit to continued learning and advocacy. By engaging with these vital academic resources, we take a step toward a world where justice, dignity, and equality prevail.

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