Luanda: President Joe Biden has departed from the Slavery Museum, marking the final stop on his itinerary during his visit to Angola on Tuesday. At this historic site, the president encountered artifacts, documents, and narratives that detail the harsh realities and enduring legacy of slavery, underscoring the resilience of African peoples and the significant ties between Angola and the Americas.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the museum serves as a poignant reminder of the human tragedy that profoundly influenced intercontinental relations. It stands as a reflective space on past injustices and an inspiration to promote justice and equality in the present day. For both American and Angolan citizens, the museum embodies a vital link of remembrance and shared identity, highlighting the suffering and resistance of generations past and emphasizing the necessity of intercultural dialogue for a more inclusive future.
President Biden’s visit offered him the chance to gain insight into the historical frame
work of slavery, from the initial African trade routes to the worldwide repercussions of the slave system. Beyond its historical significance, the museum is a major attraction for global visitors, providing Americans with a deeper connection to their African diaspora origins and encouraging historical reconciliation.
This visit marks a cultural milestone in the relationship between Angola and the United States, underscoring the importance of preserving collective memory and reaffirming the bonds between the two countries.
The National Slavery Museum, inaugurated in 1997 and located in Morro da Cruz, Luanda, is a heritage site dedicated to conserving the memory of the 500 years of slavery endured by Angolans. Housed in the Casa Grande Chapel, the museum features original items of historical significance, recounting Angola’s long history of slavery. The site, once owned by Álvaro de Carvalho Matoso, a prominent slave trader of the 18th century, showcases hundreds of artifacts used in the slave trade.