How did Equiano abolish slavery?
It is one of the earliest books published by a black African writer and helped influence British parliament to abolish the trade through the Slave Trade Act of 1807. Equiano used his experiences of slavery to campaign and persuade others to abolish the inhumane trade in African people.
How was Olaudah Equiano a hero?
Almost a decade later, “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano” helped influence parliament into passing the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which ended the African slave trade in Britain. Finally, British parliament had taken its first step towards the complete abolition of slavery.
How many times Equiano relocated?
As a young boy he and his sister were kidnaped-gagged, tied, and taken from their home. After a few days the children were separated and Equiano was alone. During his life as a slave, Equiano was sold ten times and underwent three name changes. The following passage was taken from his autobiography.
Who was Olaudah Equiano’s audience?
Equiano’s reading audience was mostly composed of American and European abolitionists. His immediate purpose was to influence the British political leaders who were debating the slave trade issue in Parliament in the late 1780’s.
How did Equiano buy his freedom?
While working as a deckhand, valet and barber for King, Equiano earned money by trading on the side. In only three years, he made enough money to buy his own freedom. He travelled widely promoting the book, which became immensely popular, helped the abolitionist cause, and made Equiano a wealthy man.
When did Olaudah Equiano get his freedom?
In 1766, after three years in his service, King allowed Equiano to purchase his own freedom. As a free man, Equiano turned to his sailing experience to earn a living and sailed the Mediterranean and Atlantic, including some adventurous scientific explorations.
Who was Olaudah Equiano sold to in Montserrat?
Despite allusions to his manumission, Pascal sold him to a captain bound for the Caribbean, who in turn sold him to a Quaker named Robert King in Montserrat. King recognized Equiano’s skills and put him to work in marketing rather than in the fields.
How did Olaudah Equiano become Gustavus Vassa?
Olaudah Equiano (c.1745 – 1797) In Virginia he was sold to a Royal Navy officer, Lieutenant Michael Pascal, who renamed him ‘Gustavus Vassa’ after the 16th-century Swedish king. Equiano travelled the oceans with Pascal for eight years, during which time he was baptised and learned to read and write.
Where was Olaudah Equiano’s village in Nigeria?
According to his memoir, Equiano recounted an incident of an attempted kidnapping of children in his Igbo village, Isseke (present-day Delta State), which was foiled by adults. The village was in the southeastern part of present-day Nigeria.