About the Equiano Centre
The UCL Geography Equiano Centre promotes research on the Black presence in Britain through public programmes, workshops, and conferences, aiming to be a globally recognised hub for scholarship
- Foster historical research into the Black presence in Britain
- Facilitate public programmes, conferences, and workshops
- Become an internationally renowned research institute
Olaudah Equiano
Olaudah Equiano, also known as Gustavus Vassa, was a prominent London-based abolitionist whose autobiography became a key text in the fight against slavery and influenced anti-slavery movements worldwide.
Known as: Gustavus Vassa
Olaudah Equiano, captured at age 12, became one of London’s leading abolitionists. His autobiography, The Interesting Narrative, influenced anti-slavery movements internationally.
Olaudah Equiano was one of the greatest abolitionists based in London and his autobiography, the Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa the African, perhaps his most famous legacy. His autobiography tells us that slavers captured him when he was about twelve and he was taken to the Americas. He was sold on to a British naval officer who renamed him Gustavas Vassa, and eventually to a Philadelphia Quaker merchant Robert King. Working for payment on King's ships Equiano eventually saved enough to purchase his freedom. During the latter part of his life he settled in England, and in 1789 he published the Narrative. One of the most important publications of the abolition movement, it went through nine English editions and was translated into Dutch, German and Russian.
UCL Neuroscience is now located in Charles Bell House, Riding House Street, on the site of a house where Equiano lived and there is a plaque on the building to mark his presence there.
Numerous publications about Equiano are available as well as various editions of his Narrative.
Staff and Founding Advisers
The Equiano Centre is supported by a dedicated team of staff and a group of distinguished founding advisers, whose expertise guides our research, public engagement, and programmes.
Freelance Historian and Consultant
- Professor Hakim Adi
- Lynda Agard
- Makeda Coaston
- Professor Paul Goodwin
- Dr Wangui wa Goro
- Professor Catherine Hall
- Colin Prescod
- Dr Stephen Quirke
Archive Specialists and Artists
The Equiano Centre collaborates with archive specialists and artists whose creative and research expertise brings our projects and exhibitions to life.
- Freelance archivist, community worker, designer, workshop facilitator
- MA in Archives & Records Management (UCL)
- Worked on A Fusion of Worlds, Drawing Black Lives, Queer Black Spaces
- Visual artist focused on Black history, gender, disability, and mental health
- Created comics and workshops with the Centre
Got questions? Get in touch.
Contact us if you have any questions about studying Geography at UCL.
