Sir John Hawkins is credited as the founder of the English triangular trade in African slaves.

Help Plymouth become a city that stands for equality & compassion! 

By renaming Sir John Hawkins square, we are saying that we want Plymouth to change - for the better. 

John Hawkins' name is all over the city, and many Plymothians have no idea that he was the UK's first slave trader, and even displayed the image of a bound slave on his coat of arms. If Plymouth is to take the necessary steps in becoming a city which is safe and inclusive for all, we must stop celebrating the oppression of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.

Let's not erase or ignore Plymouth history, but instead teach the full story, and amplify the voices of those oppressed. 

There are many online resources providing information about Plymouth's long history of racism & colonialism, including the link between John Hawkins and The Mayflower Journey. More information at:

https://mayflowermavericks.wordpress.com/​

https://northstarstudygroup.org.uk/

This petition was created by two Plymothian individuals and we have no link to North Star Study Group or Mayflower Mavericks.