Director Steve McQueen Honoured As Ambassador for Anti-Slavery International

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February 6, 2014 1:26 PM

He’s ready to fight for this course and needs British students to study slavery in schools too.

12 Years a Slave movie director Steve McQueen has been named Ambassador for Anti-Slavery International by the world’s oldest human rights organization. He officially joined the committee – set up in 1839 - on Monday to lobby against slavery and related abuses.

He reportedly met with officials at the group’s headquarters in London on Monday (Feb. 3) and declared his intention to highlight the importance of working against modern-day slavery across the globe.

Referring to the hero of his Oscar-nominated movie [12 Years A Slave], Solomon Northup, he said, "Right now, there are Solomon Northups in every region of the world who have been taken away from their families and placed in slavery." Northup was the free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841.

"I hope that, 150 years from now, a film will not be made about our ambivalence to slavery. We have to do something about it." The film maker added.

McQueen also hosted a private viewing of the movie for Members of Parliament, and urged politicians to add Northup’s book about his horrific experiences to the curriculum in England’s schools.

What do you guys think of this brave move? In London!!!!!?????

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