Equiano, Olaudah | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

Equiano, Olaudah

c. 1745

Nigeria, Africa

1797

England

Freedman, sailor, author, and abolitionist

"The next day proved a day of greater sorrow than I had yet experienced; for my sister and I were then separated, while we lay clasped in each other's arms."

From The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano.

Olaudah Equiano (pronounced ek-wee-ANH-o; also known as Gustavus Vassa) led a remarkable life as a slave and freedman. The son of an African chief, he was captured at age eleven by African slave traders. After being sold to European traders, Equiano was sent first to the Caribbean. He was then transported to a plantation in Virginia, where he was bought by British naval officer Michael Henry Pascal. While serving Pascal, he received many advantages such as being taught how to read and write English. He also became a skillful sailor during the Seven Years War (1756–63; a worldwide conflict between major European powers). After the war, Equiano was traded to Robert King. King provided Equiano with the experience to begin his own trading business, which enabled him to save enough money to buy his freedom in 1766. After writing The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano (1789), Equiano became an influential abolitionist (a person who takes measures to end slavery).

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