New Slavery Memorial to be Erected in London’s Docklands

A new memorial dedicated to the victims of the transatlantic slave trade is set to be unveiled in London’s Docklands, designed by American artist Khaleb Brooks. The 23-foot bronze cowrie shell, titled "The Wake," aims to serve as a space for reflection and remembrance of the millions of Africans who were enslaved. Brooks, whose ancestors were enslaved in Mississippi, emphasizes that the memorial represents a shared history that transcends racial boundaries, highlighting the ongoing relevance of discussions about racism in British society. The memorial will be located at West India Quay, a historically significant site linked to the slave trade, where commodities like sugar were imported. Brooks chose the cowrie shell for its historical use as currency in the slave trade, referencing abolitionist Olaudah Equiano's account of being sold for 172 cowrie shells. The project has received a £500,000 commitment from Mayor Sadiq Khan, who believes public spaces should reflect the capital's complex heritage. The initiative follows a long history of advocacy for a slavery memorial, with groups like Memorial 2007 campaigning for over two decades. Despite previous challenges in securing funding, the project has gained momentum, with plans for smaller cowrie shell installations across the city and an educational program to accompany the memorial. The unveiling is scheduled for 2026, coinciding with the Unesco Day for Remembering the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition.