This week, Seth and JJ tackle a “god” in the field of human trafficking work–William Wilberforce himself. Why do we as a field focus on only certain kinds of historic abolitionists as models? Should modern anti-trafficking workers still call themselves abolitionists? What about leaders from affected populations–has a lack of focus on them really been the result of white supremacy? We try to tackle this tough subject with humor, yelling, and and a whole lot of 1800s court transcripts.
Sources:
- William Wilberforce (1759 -1833): The Politician, The Abolition Project
- William Wilberforce and abolition, Revealing Histories
- Will the real William Wilberforce please stand up? (Part 2), Pambazuka News
- SLAVERY AND THE BIRTH OF WORKING-CLASS RACISM IN ENGLAND, 1814–1833, Cambridge University Press
- 5 Black Heroes of the Abolition Movement in Britain, Heritage Calling
- Photo: Statue of William Wilberforce, Hull, cc-by-sa/2.0 – © David Hillas