February 23rd is the 200th anniversary of Parliament's vote to repeal
the slave-trade law.  The film, "Amazing Grace," is being released today
to commemorate that event.  

This web site
http://www.awesomestories.com/movies/amazing_grace/amazing_grace_ch1.htm
provides background, with hundreds of primary sources, about:  Africa
(before European slave-trading), triangle trade and its middle passage,
leading abolitionists in Britain, slave auctions, Wilberforce's
parliamentary speech, the public-relations campaign to change the law,
the events of 23 February 1807, and creation of the song "Amazing
Grace."  (It was first used as a chant, not a song.)

The site is free for all schools, libraries and educators.  Just request
group access with this form. 
https://www.awesomestories.com/signup.php?ua=group_signup   It is also
free, through March, for students, their parents, library patrons and
members of the general public.  Select an individual password with this
form.  https://www.awesomestories.com/signup.php?ua=individual_signup

Carole Bos
Dean's Advisory Board
Grand Valley State University
bosc at gvsu.edu