Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797)

Summary Label

18th century abolitionist and author

Title

Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797)

Date of Birth

1745

Date of Death

March 31st, 1797

gender

Male

Hometown or Region

Essaka, Benin (Modern-day Southeastern Nigeria)

Freedom Status

Transition

Occupation

Sailor, Merchant, Author, and Abolitionist

Biography

Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) was born in Essaka, Benin located in modern-day Southeastern Nigeria. Famous for writing The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavas Vassa, the African, Written by Himself, Equiano’s autobiography is his greatest legacy and an influential contribution to the abolitionist movement. In 1833, the Interesting Narrative contributed to the passing of an Emancipation Act in British Parliament. Equiano created a lasting impact on the African diaspora through his depictions of the horrors of slavery. At eleven years old, Olaudah Equiano was captured in a West Afircan village and sold into slavery, after which he was purchased by a slave vessel and endured the Middle Passage. The vessel arrived in Barbados before sailing to Virginia. Equiano was promptly sold to Captian Michael Henry Pascal, an English tobacco merchant. Olaudah followed Pascal as he set sail to fight in the Seven Years War. Returning to London in 1759, Olaudah was baptized in St. Margaret's church located in London, England. The duo promptly returned to war in the Mediterranean. Following the end of the Seven Years conflict, Equiano was sold once more to a Captain James Doran and sailed alongside his new enslaver to Montserrat. In 1763, Olaudah was purchased by Philadelphia merchant Robert King, who required Equiano to sail throughout the West Indies and North America as a merchant. After purchasing his emancipation in 1766, Equiano sought jobs abroad on various ships and expiditions, including the Phipps Expedition to the Arctic in search for a shorter route to Asia. Olaudah was later hired as an overseer on a Mosquito Shore plantation under Dr. James Irving in addition to being involved in the Sierra Leone Expedition to return individuals of African descent back to their homeland. After writing his narrative, Equiano additionally embarked on a book tour throughout the United Kingdon in support of abolition. Equiano’s achievements include becoming literate as a young man, acquiring basic business and economic skills, conducting the scientific research of water purification devices, increasing his social status, and funding his own emancipation. Following a fulfilling career, Equiano passed away in London, England at 52 years old.

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Connected Historical Actor(s)

Granville Sharp, Dr. James Irving, British Parliament, Thomas Clarkson & Lord Mansfield

Student Researcher

Briley Meador