Black Lives Matter and my Slave Trading Ancestors
A personal reflection from Simon Robinson 11 th June 2020 The horrific murder of George Floyd in M inneapolis at the hands of the police, the ensuing protests in the USA, UK and beyond and the appalling response of Donald Trump have been at the front and centre of my mind over recent days. I’ve done a lot of reflection on my own life of and what I’ve done and what I’ve failed to do to challenge racism and discrimination in all its forms. Also, what we’ve done or not done as a society to right the wrongs of history. It’s had a profound effect on me; it feels intensely personal. Yes, I’m a white man, but my friends and family include people of colour who I know have suffered discrimination, abuse and worse. I’m also the descendant of slave traders . T heir names were Frederick Philipse and Margaret Hardenbroeck . T hey were husband and wife. In the 17 th cent...