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Slavery abolitionists pioneered protest movements and modern campaigning

If you have ever signed a petition, worn a charity wristband or taken part in a demonstration you owe something to Thomas Clarkson.

The preacher's son from Cambridgeshire is one of the great unsung heroes of the fight to abolish slavery and the slave trade.

But what is even less well known is the extent to which Clarkson and his fellow abolitionists set the template for all future protest movements.

Every modern campaigning technique -- from celebrity endorsement to political lobbying and consumer boycotts -- was pioneered by the abolitionists more than 200 years ago.
Read entire article at BBC News