 | | BBC WM producer Mandisa Gordon |
Throughout 2007 the UK will focus on commemorating the bi-centenary of the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. In a short video Mandisa gives her very personal reflection on the history of her ancestors and what the abolition of the slavery trade act means to her. Mandisa says: “I wish people could see another side of slavery and not just black people wearing chains, shackles and being half naked. They weren’t powerless; they fought every step of the way." "My ancestors were strong..." | | on reflection |
“My ancestors went through a lot for us, they were strong and that makes me feel really proud. “Our history is really important, it gives us a sense of who we are. “What I take from learning about my past, is that us as black people need to take control of our future and we need to do it collectively.” Watch Mandisa’s emotional thoughts and reflection below. | 
