Understand the impact of the transatlantic slave trade on Africa and on the lives of enslaved Africans. Slavery has existed in parts of the world for thousands of years. As slaves, people were traded and kept as possessions to serve their owners. It wasn't until the Transatlantic Slave Trade began that so many were enslaved and transported from one continent - Africa. The Black History series brings together a wide range of events and experiences from the past to promote knowledge and understanding of black culture today.