The Herbert's project was just one of many which took place across the country to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

The young people took part in a programme of study visits to museums and archives which hold original material relating to slavery. They kept journals of their experiences and discussed their responses to the collections and displays. Their feedback will help to inform museums about the best ways of presenting this subject to a young black audience. As part of this project The Herbert also worked in partnership with the Coventry West Indian Community Centre to mount a touring display from Anti Slavery International. The exhibition Campaigning Against Slavery from the 18th to the 21st Century was shown for Black History Month in October 2007 and was accompanied by a half term events programme.

The young people's historical research was the basis of workshops led by performance poet Dreadlock Alien. Participants wrote poems and musical pieces which they performed at a successful event at the West Indian Community Centre. For further information on the project contact Stacey Bains on 024 7629 4766 or email stacey.bains@theherbert.org