60. Britain's Most Famous Slave

In this episode of Empire, Anita Arnon and William Durhampool discuss the extraordinary life of Olaudah Equiano, a prominent black Englishman of the 18th century. They delve into Equiano's autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," which details his capture from his Igbo homeland in Southeastern Nigeria, his experiences during the Middle Passage, and his subsequent enslavement. They explore the impact of Equiano's narrative on the abolition movement, highlighting his eloquent descriptions of the horrors of slavery and his appeals to Christian morality. The hosts also discuss Equiano's personal journey, including his relationships with figures like Richard Baker and Daniel Quinn, and his evolving identity as he navigates life in the British Navy and society. The episode concludes with Equiano being betrayed and sold again, setting the stage for the next episode.