Olaudah Equiano

 We, the students from Holmfirth High School, have begun a letter writing campaign to get an official Blue Plaque put up to mark the contribution of Olaudah Equiano to Britain’s cultural History.

 He:
> Survived kidnap, the middle passage AND slavery
> Bought his own freedom
> Settled in and travelled all over Britain
> Married an English woman and had a family here
> Campaigned across the world against the slave trade
> Wrote a book that provides invaluable evidence of the horrors of slavery and that even today affects those that read it.

Olaudah Equiano subtitled his own book ‘An interesting narrative’. It is far more than simply interesting, and it can tell us about the past and our own lives, as well as giving us insights into late 18th century England.

We have studied this incredible 18th century man and our Blog gives us a chance to share what we think are the most significant points in his life.

We think he is the perfect example of what makes our country great and think it is shocking that musicians have been recognised but that this remarkable man has not..

English Heritage normally only put a plaque up on a building that is still standing from the time that someone lived there – this is a problem for anyone who did not have the means to afford a substantial house that was well made, and creates an imbalance in their Blue Plaque list. Equiano once lived on Union Street in London – this road is now called Rocking Horse lane. Surely they should look at their rules again and take this into account.

If you agree with us please write to English Heritage and ask that they act on our suggestion to put up a blue plaque in his honour.

Their address is: Blue Plaques Team, English Heritage, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138 – 142 Holborn, London, EC1N 2ST
Thank you.

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Leaving comments about the significance of Equiano by clicking below:
A significant moment could be:
> An event or turning point after which things were never the same again (these could be good or bad)
> The moment that Equiano should be most proud of
> A moment where Equiano managed to change something or affect events in his time/future times

His significance today is more about why we should study him and what we can learn from his life.

Think about your studies and research into Equiano. Chose what YOU think was the most significant moment/event.
Write a paragraph describing the moment/event and another paragraph explaining why you think it was so significant.
Remember to use standard English and show your appreciation of their ideas (Whilst I agree that.. However I would suggest that…).

Mr Cumming