Freedom Narratives focuses on the enforced migration of enslaved Africans in the Atlantic world during the era of the slave trade from the 16th to the 19th century. The biographical accounts included here include the testimonies and stories of individuals born in West Africa whose voices have long been silenced. This digital repository of autobiographical testimonies and biographical data establishes where people came from, why they were enslaved, whether or not they freed themselves, and what happened to them.Learn More
Isambákōn
Isambákōn, male, who is identified as Joola Ejamat, was born in 1804 in Bátēndu, Upper Guinea Coast region. He was enslaved through kidnapping in 1826 and taken to Gádṣọu. Subsequently liberated in 1839. Account recorded in 1850 by the linguist Sigismund Wilhelm Koelle at the Liberated African village Kissi. Last known location was Kissi.
Learn MoreMaria Luisa Picard
Maria Luisa Picard, female, who is identified as Yoruba, was born in 1822 in Lagos, Bight of Benin Region. She was enslaved around the years 1825 and 1833, and taken to Havana. Enslaved for 14 years, she was subsequently freed in 1847, getting married in the following years. Account recorded in 1854. Last known location was London with the wish to return to Lagos.
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Ogalay, female, who is identified as Igbo, was born in the Bight of Biafra region. She was enslaved when she was a child. Subsequently liberated in 1827 and known to have scarification and slave branding marks. Account recorded in 1827 by the clerk in the Liberated African Department at Freetown. Last known location was the Liberated African village of Gloucester.
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