Abolition Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Slavery

June 10 is observed annually in Guyana as Abolition Day. This day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. However, this observation applies not only to Guyana, but also to other former European colonies in the Caribbean. Europeans were notorious for enslaving indigenous people and subjecting them to heinous atrocities. Citizens attempt to confront the past on Abolition Day. Those who were subjected to serfdom or other forms of involuntary servitude may also observe this day. Abolition Day is a reminder of humanity’s ongoing legacy of cruelty.

The background of Abolition Day

Guyana celebrates Abolition Day alongside former European colonies in the Caribbean. As soon as the British Empire abolished slavery, the colonies did the same. Originally known as Freedom Day, today’s Abolition Day is also known as Emancipation Day.

Guyana is situated along the northern coastline of South America. Before the Dutch established a colony there in the 1500s, it was originally inhabited by numerous Indian tribes. The colony was held by the Dutch, the British, and the French before the British ultimately captured it in 1814. It did not attain its independence until 1966. Approximately 250 years ago, the majority of Guyana’s colonial population consisted of African slaves brought over to labour on coastal plantations. Unfortunately, none of the slave revolts were successful in achieving their goal of emancipation.

In 1834, slavery was abolished in Guyana. Following this, the economy and social structure of Guyana underwent a comprehensive transformation. Many former slaves abandoned the plantations and settled in the rural areas surrounding Georgetown and other cities. The labour shortage on the plantations necessitated the recruitment of indentured labourers from India, China, and Portugal. The economy expanded to include gold mining, timber harvesting, and a more diverse agricultural sector. Trade with foreign nations also increased. Consequently, while those of African descent were immediately and most directly affected by the abolition of slavery, it ultimately improved the lives of everyone. Due to this, Guyana adopted the national motto “One People, One Nation, and One Destiny.”

National Bed Bug Prevention Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Bed Bug

National Earl Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Famous Earl

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

5 essential facts about slavery

Sumer in Mesopotamia is where the first instances of servitude are documented.

Over ninety percent of African slaves were brought to the Caribbean and South America.

Twelve percent of those transported across the Atlantic on slave ships perished during the voyage.

However, it remained in use for the subsequent fifty years.

Between 1526 and 1867, approximately 12.5 million African slaves were transported to the Americas.

ABOLITION DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	June 10	Saturday
2024	June 10	Monday
2025	June 10	Tuesday
2026	June 10	Wednesday
2027	June 10	Thursday