61. The Black Abolitionist

In the second part of their series "An Extraordinary Life," Anita Arnon and William Durhampool delve deeper into the life of Equiano, a former slave. They discuss his experiences in the Seven Years' War, his betrayal by Pascal, and his eventual purchase of freedom from Robert King, a Quaker. The hosts explore Equiano's entrepreneurial spirit as he earns money through trade, his internal conflict regarding loyalty and freedom, and his travels, including a voyage to the Arctic. They also touch on the social and legal ambiguities surrounding slavery in 18th-century London, Equiano's evolving religious beliefs, and his eventual commitment to the abolitionist cause, highlighting his role as a key voice in the movement and the impact of his autobiography.