Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano played a prominent role in the abolition of the slave trade, although he died a decade before the Abolition of Slavery Act was passed in 1807.

There is much about Olaudah's life that we can celebrate. Despite being sold as a slave in 1754 to Michael Pascal, a navy officer who renamed him Gustavus Vassa, he went on to become an experienced seaman, was very well travelled, educated and purchased his own freedom for £40. He was friends with John Granville and an influential campaigner for the abolition of slavery. He became a Christian; was employed as a civil servant in the Sierra Leone resettlement project and for a period of time was a missionary in the Caribbean . However, by far his most important role was probably as an eloquent speaker and writer.

His book, The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa the African w as first published in 1789. The autobiography was said to be one of the first of its kind to be written by an African slave and created quite a stir. Olaudah self- published his own work and promoted it by public speaking and lectures to influential people in society at that time. The book described a first hand account of the evils of slavery and advanced various arguments in support of the abolition, it made him a fortune in the process too.

Be inspired this Independence Day and remember that no matter what start you have had in life, this does not have to determine your future. Work hard, believe in yourself and don't leave anything to chance.The bumps are what we build on, don't let anyone , or anything rob you of the destiny or future that you have dreamed of….