So sorry...444 years on

I've just finished reading an extraordinary article about a man called Andrew Hawkins who believes he is a descendant of John Hawkins; the first English slave trader.

Apparently, when Andrew Hawkins discovered that his ancestor was responsible for initiating the slave trade in Britain, he felt compelled to publicly apologise to the African nations.

The article tells of how a team of 27 people went in chains, wearing t-shirts with "So sorry" printed on them, to the International Roots Festival held in the Gambia in June this year (an event, which encourages Africans to discover their ancestral identity). They were given an opportunity to address the thousands of slightly bewildered Africans in the auditorium and apologised in German, English and French for the atrocities that their ancestors had inflicted upon their people in the past; the reaction was powerful.

It's a fascinating story highlighting the importance of reconciliation and the impact of forgiveness. It's not often you get to read an uplifting news article so check it out ; it may even help to restore your faith in humanity!