Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano was the leading black campaigner for the abolition of the slave trade in the 18th century. Born in 1745 in Essaka, Igboland, then under the Kingdom of Benin, now a part of present day Nigeria, Olaudah was the son of an influential village chief. He was the youngest of seven children and was his mothers favourite.

At the age of ten and a half years, while playing in the absence of his parents, Olaudah was kidnapped along with his younger sister by kinsmen. Olaudah was sold as a domestic slave to another village whose chief was highly involved in the slave trade. After six months of captivity, he was bought by white slave traders. This marked his first encounter with white men. Olaudah was sent to the coast of West Africa where he would later be transported to the English colonies. Olaudah was later bought by an officer in the royal navy, Michael Pascal.

As the case in slavery, slave masters renamed their slaves according to their taste- an action considered more demeaning than animal treatment as even animals rarely have their names changed when moved from master to master. Olaudah refused to accept his new name Gustavus Vassa.  Pascal had Olaudah in shackles until he finally accepted the name Gustavus Vassa. This was a derogatory name as the name Vassa belongs to the name of a previous sunk ship Pascal had served on. Olaudah experienced lots of harsh treatment as a slave. These included the use of iron muzzle around his mouth. This was custom in keeping slaves quiet. In Olaudahs own words, "I now wished for the last friend, Death, to relieve me."

Coming from a prominent African family, Olaudah possessed the intelligence the African hierarchy were largely noted for. He was able to acquire multi skills with minimal efforts. He assimilated naval training and was able to travel extensively as a sailor and also partake in naval battles for the then British Empire. Olaudah contributed immensely in battles, hurling gun powder into the gun decks as well as other multi tasks.

Olaudah learnt to read and write in 1759 and he was baptised at the St. Margaret’s church, Westminster, in February. While serving in battles, he was promised lots of incentives including a share of the prize money awarded to other sailors in addition to his freedom. None of these were given to him. He was later sent to Montserrat in the Caribbean, where he was to be resold. Olaudah’s skills was a stumbling block in his sale as having acquired numerous skills, probably more than the then slave masters of the time, he was to be feared as well as very expensive. He was too well educated. Olaudah was later acquired by Robert King, a merchant from Philadelphia. King valued Olaudah’s talents. He worked on the shipping routs for his new master and was allowed to engage in self trade. Olaudah was also allowed to purchase his freedom for 40 pounds.

Olaudah owned his own business, travelling and trading and later travelled to England where he married Susannah Cullen, a white woman. He later became active in the abolitionist movement. Equano became well known for his speeches against slavery and later in 1789, he published the book The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African. This book is an account of shocking personal experiences of a former slave and the first published writing by an African slave writer.
Concerned at the rate of unemployed blacks begging in England, Sierra Leone was to be used as a settlement area for free blacks. Olaudah was officially appointed to the expedition following a petition he made to the queen of England. Olaudah was later dismissed following his protest against mismanagement of funds in which the majority of the officials were deeply involved.

Besides being actively involved in the anti slave trade war, Olaudah was also an active member of the London Corresponding Society, a society that campaigned to extend the vote to working men.

Olaudah died on the 31st of March 1997 at the age of 52. He was survived by two daughters, Anna Maria and Joanna. His wife Susannah died a year earlier.It is believed that Olaudah’s relentless efforts were largely attributed to the abolishment of the slave trade through the Slave Trade Act of 1807. 10 years after his death.

Several Scholars have disputed over Olaudah’s claims to his original birthplace in Nigeria. Such disputes have been thrashed aside since there are some indications. There is for example an old folk song in Igboland Nigeria saying ‘where are you Olaudah?’. Olaudah’s leaving home at the age of ten makes it possible for him to remember his roots as he must have been well aware of his surroundings at that time. In addition, the region which Olaudah claimed to be from, Igbo land is well known all over Africa as an array of famous gifted writers. Notable from this area are Chinua Achebe, Elechi Amardi, Buchi Emecheta and Flora Nwapa to mention a few. Perhaps this explains Olaudah Equiano’s gift as a writer.