Abolition
March 2007
Special guest Heather Small (centre) with students Adilson, Naron and Pearl who took part in the Commemoration events at our Clapham Centre in March.
Anyone in the vicinity of Clapham Common on 21 March would have had their ear to the ground after feeling the tremors of the magnificent ‘Ancestral Hands’ African Drummers. Their performance opened the commemoration of the Bi-Centenary of the Abolition of Slavery Act (1807) at Lambeth College’s Clapham Centre.
Students and staff from across the College packed into the Centre to take part in the commemoration which paid tribute to all those whose hard work and courage led to the famous act of abolishing the slave trade in the UK two hundred years ago. Tutor David Simon hosted the event which featured special guests from the world of education and entertainment. After a song by the children from our nursery and a libation from the Rev. Anita McKenzie, Sir Keith Ajegbo gave an inspirational address on the impact that slavery and its abolition has had on modern society. Historian Omowale delivered an insightful lecture on the events around the slave trade and the role black people played in its abolition.
Guest performer Crisis entertains the audience at our Enrichment Awards.
The event also featured poetry recitals, music, a fashion show of African style, film showings, food, discussion forums and craft stalls. The day was topped off with a ceremony celebrating students who have taken part in, and shown commitment and dedication to, extra curricular and enrichment activities provided by the College, such as Salsa, Martial Arts, First Aid and Deaf Studies. Celebrity special guest Heather Small presented our 'Proud' Award (sponsored by Barclays Bank) and brand-new laptop computer to student Rose Iliza from the School of Social Care for a top quality performance on her course.
Mbeke Waseme, one of the event’s organisers, said: “The day was a major success and a unique cross-college event which touched the hearts and minds of all those who attended.”
Related news story - Hope Over Fear (2009)
Related news story - A BAC-drop for Talented Students (2007)
