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Examining Historical Narratives on Slavery
There is a significant gap in understanding among students regarding historical figures and the complexities of slavery. Many are unaware of William Wilberforce's contributions to the abolition of slavery and the broader context of slavery itself. A noticeable decline in students' attention spans and tolerance for factual discussions has been observed over recent years, indicating a shift in educational focus. Shockingly, many students are unaware that there were more Africans enslaved within Africa than those transported across the Atlantic and that the initial enslavement often involved Africans themselves enslaving other Africans. Furthermore, discussions around the Islamic slave trade, which existed long before European involvement, and still persists into the modern era, are largely absent from curricula. The contemporary issue of slavery in Africa, which affects millions today, remains underreported and inadequately addressed by academics focusing on historical narratives. The need for a balanced perspective in teaching history is essential, emphasizing the importance of current slavery issues alongside historical ones to highlight the ongoing plight of individuals affected today.