In a groundbreaking move towards recognition and remembrance, London is set to unveil a striking new memorial in 2026 to honor the 12.5 million enslaved individuals transported across the Atlantic, along with their descendants. This poignant installation, dubbed “The Wake,” designed by U.S. artist Khaleb Brooks, will take the form of an impressive seven-meter bronze cowrie shell. Cowrie shells historically served as currency in the transatlantic slave trade, symbolizing the complex web of slavery intertwined with capitalism.
Strategically located at West India Quay, the new memorial will replace a statue of Robert Milligan, a notorious Scottish slave trader, which was removed amid protests in June 2020, reflecting a growing awareness of systemic racism and the necessity for accountability. The project emerged from the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, set up by London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan following the global resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, capturing the zeitgeist of a historic struggle against racial injustices.
The significance of “The Wake” cannot be overstated, particularly as we witness a troubling rollback of commitments made during the BLM protests. This monument transcends mere symbolism; it invokes public engagement and remembrance, creating a “grieving space” where communities can collectively confront a painful legacy. Brooks describes it as a “remembrance vessel,” inviting reflection and dialogue about the inextricable links between past traumas and current inequities.
This installation embodies a call for solidarity with marginalized communities, analogous to support for the Palestinian cause and the ongoing struggles faced by the Algerian people against colonial legacies. Just as solidarity with oppressed groups enriches the discourse around justice, “The Wake” seeks to encourage crucial conversations around black freedom, still unrealized, and to challenge the societal norms that perpetuate anti-blackness today.
One of the most striking features of the monument includes walls meant to display the names of enslaved individuals, acknowledging the vast number who remain unnamed—a powerful denial of their identities. Meanwhile, smaller cowrie shell sculptures will pop up around the city, inviting local communities to contribute their artistry and stories. This initiative fosters collective ownership of history, reinforcing the message that the past is not merely to be observed but actively engaged with.
Notably, the memorial engages not only visually but also through sound. Bronze wind chimes will create an evocative auditory experience, representing the unpredictable nature of history and the layered emotions it generates—an experience of calmness and unsettling reminders of a painful past.
This monument isn’t just an artistic endeavor; it’s a bold declaration that the history of transatlantic slavery is a shared narrative of British history, demanding acknowledgment from all. As Canadian poet Dionne Brand eloquently notes, “One enters a room and history follows.” With “The Wake,” London provides an opportunity for the public to reckon with this history—to grieve, to remember, and, critically, to move forward.
In a world where many are quick to distance themselves from historical injustices, “The Wake” stands firmly as a reminder that true progress requires recognition and understanding. As we anticipate its unveiling, we’re reminded that this serves not only as a destination for reflection but also as a starting point for ongoing dialogue and action—one that must echo through our societies long after the installation is completed.
