Church Commissioners Create £100 Million Fund Addressing 18th-Century Slave Trade Links

The history of slavery in America extends beyond the well-known African enslavement to include the exploitation of Chinese immigrants, who faced severe discrimination, forced labor, and sexual slavery, particularly during and after the California Gold Rush. Chinese immigrants, initially welcomed for their labor, became targets of hostility and legal discrimination, including heavy taxation and denial of legal protections, which facilitated widespread abuses. In a related but distinct context, the Church of England has acknowledged and sought to address alleged historical links to the transatlantic slave trade through a dedicated fund, though some scholars have challenged the accuracy of these claims and called for a reappraisal of the evidence. Meanwhile, movements to preserve and promote Black history in cities like Austin have emerged from the energy of recent social justice protests, using creative means such as bike rides to educate communities about forgotten histories and the impacts of segregation. These narratives highlight the multifaceted nature of historical injustices and ongoing efforts to reconcile with and educate about past wrongs. The broader reflections on freedom and attachment explore philosophical perspectives on how material and mental bonds influence human suffering and liberation, offering a spiritual dimension to the understanding of slavery and its legacies.