Happy Monday 👋

Here are the impactful insights that I have for you today:

• How to get involved in International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 🖤
• The development of the world’s first biodegradable microplastics 🔬
• Indonesia shows how to create a sustainable pearl industry 🦪
• And more… 💚

Could you imagine anyone disagreeing with countering racism and justice for all?

Me neither! Quite the contrary, it’s hard to believe that racism and justice are still global issues…

That’s why it’s important to remember our past, learn from it, and build a kinder and more just world.

And I’d love to see the day when we’ve finally achieved this 💚

🖤 Event of the Week: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

👉 Did you know that today (March 25) is International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade? This day was formed to honor and remember the millions of Africans who were torn from their families and thrust into the slavery trade, as well as to raise awareness of the racism that still occurs today. 

1️⃣ The big picture: The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade was founded in 2007 by the United Nations to raise awareness of the history of slavery and its impact on our modern world. Today, the event is used to promote action against racism and create a more compassionate world for all. 

2️⃣ Why is this important: The Slave Trade was a dark part of our history, with around 20 million Africans captured and forcefully relocated to enter the slave trade. By 1800, the African population had been reduced to just half its size because of the prevalence of slavery practices. Many people consider this to be a past event, yet it’s estimated that nearly 50 million people around the world are living in modern slavery today, of which 27.6 million are in forced labor and 22 million in forced marriages. Furthermore, over one-third of people from minority groups have experienced some form of racism in their lives.

3️⃣ How can you get involved: The theme for the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2024 is “Countering Racism with Justice in Societies and Among Nations” to recognize the history of enslavement and fight for racial equality. Many museum exhibits are held on this day to educate the public and celebrate cultural diversity. You can also get involved in this day by setting up your own awareness event, supporting black businesses in your area, or fundraising for racial equality.

Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant this awareness week:

• 9 Best Charities That Fight for Racial Equality
• 9 Best Charities That Fight to End Forced Labor
• 9 Best Charities That Fight for Racial Justice Globally
• 11 Best Charities Impacting Africa

📢 Three Good News

🔬 The development of biodegradable microplastics:

• Scientists at the University of California San Diego, alongside science company Algenesis, have developed an algae-based polymer that biodegrades within 7 months, even at a microplastic level. 
• Traditional microplastics can take up to 1,000 years to break down, causing a real-world threat to marine life and ocean ecosystems. 
• This is the first plastic material that has been demonstrated to not create harmful microplastics as we use it. 

🦪 The pearl-farming industry in Raja Ampat is leading the way in sustainable business practices:

• Pearl farmers on the Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia are thriving within a healthy marine ecosystem, showcasing their ability to grow a lucrative business whilst supporting local ecosystems.
• Traditionally, wild oysters were caught for pearl cultivation, often being killed in the process. However, recently, locals and researchers have found a way to synthetically implant farmed oysters, allowing the pearl to grow naturally, with an 80% survival rate for the oyster. 
• Indonesia is the largest producer and exporter of natural pearls, which have historically been associated with the decimation of wild oyster populations. However, this new process suggests that the industry can run successfully without extensive environmental damage. 

🦌 The largest antelope species in Asia has reappeared in Bangladesh after previously being declared locally extinct:

• A 2023 study revealed 13 sightings of the nilgai’s antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) since 2018 in Bangladesh, sparking hope that the species is returning to its historic range.
• Although not declared endangered by the IUCN due to their prevalence across India, Nepal, and Pakistan, the nilgai’s antelope has been missing from Bangladesh since the 1930s due to habitat loss and hunting.
• The authors of the study suggest that local authorities in Northern Bangladesh should formulate reintroduction plans to allow the nilgai’s antelope to once again roam its borders. 

🤝 Three More Important Awareness Events

🦋 March 22-28, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week:

• Worldwide, more than 2.8 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• The purpose of this week is to raise awareness of the disease and encourage those impacted by it to share their stories and connect.

💜 March 26, Purple Day/Epilepsy Awareness Day: 

• On this day, individuals are encouraged to wear purple for epilepsy awareness.
• Organizations educate people about epilepsy to dispel myths, mitigate the stigma surrounding the condition, and give those impacted a chance to stand in solidarity. 

➕ March 27, American Red Cross Giving Day:

• The fourth Wednesday of American Red Cross Month is the organization’s designated giving day. 
• The aim is to bring people together to support the Red Cross’ humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. 

Related: You can discover all the 115 most important awareness events (for the month, days, weeks) in our awareness calendar for March 2024!

📜 This Week in History

🎙️ March 25, 1942: Aretha Franklin, an American singer who defined the golden age of soul music in the 1960s, was born in Memphis, Tennessee.

⛓️ March 25, 1807: The British Parliament abolished the slave trade in the British West Indies after a long campaign against it. 

✍️ March 26, 1979: Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat signed the peace treaty fostered by US President Jimmy Carter, ending 30 years of warfare between the two countries. 

💭 Quote of the Day

“I think it would be a far greater world if people were kinder and more respectful to each other.”

— Aretha Franklin, American singer-songwriter

Share the news with your friends to make a bigger positive impact on the world and society together!

Stay impactful 💚