Olaudah Equiano: From Captive to Abolitionist Voice

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the extraordinary life of Olaudah Equiano, who was kidnapped from his Igbo village in West Africa as a child, survived the Middle Passage, and eventually purchased his freedom. Equiano became a leading voice in the British abolition movement, publishing his memoir 'The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, The African' in 1789. The conversation traces his journey from slavery to literacy, his service in the Royal Navy, his time as a sailor and merchant, and his pivotal role in the campaign to end the slave trade. Lucas details Equiano's harrowing account of the Middle Passage, his purchase of freedom in 1766, and his marriage to an Englishwoman. Luna highlights the radical act of an African writing his own story and influencing public opinion. The episode also touches on the controversy over Equiano's birthplace and the authenticity of his account. It ends with a reflection on how one person's testimony helped shift the moral tide in Britain. #OlaudahEquiano #GustavusVassa #Igbo #MiddlePassage #Abolition #BritishEmpire #TheInterestingNarrative #RoyalNavy #SierraLeone #SomersettCase #SlaveTrade #18thCentury #BlackHistory #Abolitionist #History #FexingoHistory #WorldHistory #SlaveNarrative Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo