About

Born around 1745 in what is now Nigeria, Equiano was kidnapped at the age of 11 and sold into slavery. He endured a traumatic journey across the Atlantic Ocean and was eventually sold to a British naval officer. Over the years, he was bought and sold several times and traveled to various regions, including the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe. Equiano managed to purchase his freedom in 1766 and became involved in the British abolitionist movement. He settled in London and worked as a sailor, merchant, and explorer. During this time, he learned to read and write and became an influential figure in advocating for the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano", published in 1789, recounted Equiano's experiences as a slave, his travels, and his eventual liberation. The book became one of the first widely read and successful slave narratives, contributing to the growing abolitionist movement in Britain and beyond. Equiano used his narrative to highlight the inhumane treatment of enslaved Africans and the horrific conditions of the Middle Passage. Equiano's autobiography also challenged prevailing racist beliefs of the time by demonstrating his intelligence, resilience, and humanity. It provided a firsthand account of the transatlantic slave trade and became an important source for historians studying this period. Equiano's work was instrumental in changing public opinion, often using religious arguments and appealing to the readers' conscience to promote abolitionism. Olaudah Equiano continued to be involved in abolitionist efforts until his death in 1797. His autobiography remains an important historical document, shedding light on the experiences of enslaved Africans and contributing to the larger movement to end slavery.