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Tutu pays tribute to slavery crusader
ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu yesterday visited the birthplace of the Yorkshireman whose tireless campaigning led to the abolition of slavery some 200 years ago – and declared "Viva William Wilberforce." Dave Mark
The internationally respected cleric and human rights campaigner attended the former home of the legendary MP while visiting a pioneering new research facility in Hull.
Archbishop Tutu has taken on the role of patron of the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation.
Yesterday he said Hull could become a world leader in the fight to rid the world of racism and xenophobia, and paid tribute to the MP who struck such a major blow for emancipation 200 years ago.
He said: "It feels fantastic to be here, in this place. I have just visited Oriel Chambers (the home of the institute) and one of the most touching aspects of the design is that they are going to be engraving the walls with the names of significant individuals who have played a role in the emancipation saga.
"To me this is wonderful and shows they clearly mean business. It's not just going to be a dead memorial, but something that relates very clearly to so many issues that we still face today."
He warned that slavery was still a very real problem for people around the world: "You would have hoped that when slavery was abolished in the 19th century, that would be it, but it has raised its ugly head with the exploitation of women as so-called sex slaves, and with children employed in horrendous conditions."
He added: "This centre will not just be concerned with dusty old history. We learn from history that we do not learn from history. This centre will look at the past, president and future. I want us to be able to live together and am proud to be associated with the work that is being done, and which will continue to be done."
Looking at a statue of William Wilberforce, he added: "It is absolutely crucial we remember him and take our hats off to an individual who against all odds, brought the campaign for abolition to a successful conclusion. His actions should make us all proud to be human, to know that people in that time were so appalled by conditions and poverty and exploitation.
"This institute should open our eyes. We should look to the past and be vigilant. People have such short memories. This is such an important institute, continuing this man's work. I say, Viva William Wilberforce, Viva."
The institute = has been spearheaded by two leading academics in the university's highly respected Department of History – professors David Richardson and Mike Turner. Its establishment has been supported by 2m funding from Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward, and Hull City Council.
The institute will build upon the university's world reputation for excellence in historical research into the legacy of slavery and emancipation in particular.
The new institute will be based at the listed Oriel Chambers, in Hull's Old Town, which is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment work to restore it to its former glory.
Dave.Mark@ypn.co.uk
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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