Prominent U.S. civil rights leader Al Sharpton has expressed his unwavering support for the initiative led by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, aimed at recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as the most heinous crime against humanity.
Sharpton’s support coincides with Brazil’s commitment to the campaign, as announced by Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during discussions with Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at the CELAC-Africa Summit in Colombia on Saturday, March 21.
President Mahama is anticipated to present the resolution to the United Nations General Assembly on March 25, 2026. This proposal aims to officially classify the transatlantic slave trade—and the racialized chattel enslavement of Africans—as the most severe crime against humanity.
This initiative is part of wider efforts to achieve global acknowledgment of the historical injustices of slavery, a crucial step that advocates believe is essential for promoting reparatory justice and addressing its lasting impact.
As part of this initiative, President Mahama will host and deliver a keynote speech at a high-level special event focused on reparatory justice at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
The event, titled “Reparatory Justice for the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and the Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans,” will gather world leaders and senior officials to discuss the matter.
The Ghanaian President is also set to address the General Assembly, presenting the African Union’s endorsed position in favor of the resolution.
During his visit, Mahama will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the African Burial Ground National Monument to pay tribute to the memory of enslaved Africans.
