The Atlantic slave trade was a gruesome chapter in human history that involved the capturing, transportation, and trade of millions of African people to the Americas. This cruel practice was perpetuated for over four centuries and had devastating impacts on the people and cultures of West and Central Africa. While the term "Atlantic slave trade" is commonly used, there are other synonyms that describe this heinous practice. Some of these include the Transatlantic slave trade, the Black Atlantic slave trade, and the African diaspora. These terms offer a more nuanced perspective on the complex and interconnected ways in which this tragic period of world history has shaped our present society.