Great look at these historical events. Unfortunately, most of the facts have been written by Europeans with particular lenses and outlooks, so it's difficult to get a good unbiased assessment of what really happened.
12.5 million souls were captured
Were they captured or bought from already established slavers? This is a key difference that pertains to events happening today. The trade in slavery extends far into history and the mechanics of it were already in place before Europeans showed up. What is mind blowing to me is that slavery still goes on today, centuries after the practice was institutionally banned in the west. I'm not just talking about slavery in metaphorical sense but in the actual sense of the word. Today in 2023, and no one bats an eyelash.
Many distinguished members of the ruling class in Britain today can trace ancestry to owners of plantations worked by slaves during the colonial era.
Not only the ruling class but many others including Black Panther member Angela Davis. She has been calling for reparations, so this must be difficult information. Maybe Nietzsche was right,if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.
Excellent thoughtful article and creative images!