Olaudah Equiano, born in 1745 in Eboe, a region in present-day Nigeria, is renowned as one of the first African authors to gain recognition in the English-speaking world. His full name is Olaudah Equiano, although he was also known by the name Gustavus Vassa, which he adopted during his time in Britain. Equiano's life journey was marked by significant events, including his capture and enslavement at a young age, which profoundly influenced his literary voice and activism. He passed away on March 31, 1797, in London, England.

Equiano's early life was spent in Africa, where he belonged to the Igbo people. At the age of eleven, he was kidnapped and sold into the transatlantic slave trade, eventually ending up in the Caribbean and later in Virginia. His experiences as a slave exposed him to the brutal realities of human trafficking and inspired his lifelong commitment to abolitionism. After purchasing his freedom in 1766, Equiano settled in England, where he became an active figure in the abolitionist movement.

Equiano's literary career began with the publication of his autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," in 1789. This seminal work provided a detailed account of his life, from his early years in Africa to his experiences as a slave and his subsequent journey to freedom. The book was groundbreaking in its honest portrayal of slavery and its impact, garnering widespread acclaim and playing a crucial role in the fight against the slave trade.

In his personal life, Equiano married Susannah Cullen, with whom he had two daughters. He was deeply committed to social justice and used his platform to advocate for the abolition of slavery. Equiano's legacy endures, as his writings continue to inspire discussions on race, identity, and human rights. His contributions as a literary figure and an abolitionist have secured his place in history as a pivotal voice in the struggle against colonial oppression.