190th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery Act coming into effect

Dear ,

You know the Monty Python skit where the question is asked "What did the Romans ever do for us?" Ask the same question of the British and along with democracy you get the abolition of slavery and universal human rights.

190 years ago on August the 1st the Abolition of Slavery Act came into effect, and we will be celebrating it with Hon Tony Abbott AC as our keynote speaker.

Tony will be speaking at breakfast in Tattersall's club on Thursday August 1. For AIP members the cost is $65 which includes a hot breakfast. Pensioners and students are $60. To book, click here.

Our focus will be on John Newton, the slaver, turned slave, turned slaver, turned clergyman, who was such a key figure in the abolitionist movement.

This is a celebration of the moment when Human Rights went Universal.

Newton's story is one of thoughtless involvement in a brutal trade, conversion to Christianity, but only some years later a realisation of the evils of slavery. It is a tale of frail, but redeemable humanity; sin and repentance; atonement, and ultimately foregiveness.

Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" speaks with humility about the human condition. Confessional and uplifting it is full of virtues lacking in our modern harsh and unforgiving world. It is so authentic that it has been frequently "covered" by secular singers as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Willie Nelson.

It is also a story of how a small determined group of people can change the world for good. Newton, his protege William Wilberforce, and his patron John Thornton, all play a part in changing British public opinion, so that from the publication of his book Thoughts on the African Slave Trade in 1788 to the passing of the Abolition of Slavery Act in 1833 (coming into force on August 1, 1834) abolition went from a fringe concern to an overwhelming majority consensus.

Trinidad and Tobago first instituted Emancipation Day on August 1, 1985. In 2021 Canada was the latest country to make Emancipation Day a national day. We intend to make Australia the next.

Booking details again are:

Date: August 1, 2024. 7:00 for 7:30 am
Place: Tattersall's Club 215 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
Cost: General Admission $75, AIP members $65, Pensioners and Students $60
RSVP: July 26
Bookings: Click here

Regards,

GRAHAM YOUNG
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR