The Equiano Society have (or should that be ‘has’?) run a series of events this year to commemorate the life of Olaudah Equiano, we have been fortunate enough to attend most of them. Many of the events have been held at the American International Church in Tottenham Court Road as this is now believed to be the site of his final resting place.
A highlight of the programme was an event to launch a new exhibition featuring Equiano’s life. It was an unusually varied programme with music, poetry from Nairobi Thompson, an acted debate on theology between Equiano and a member of the Protestant church (remember the church had very mucky hands when it came to the question of slavery), as well as spoken pieces from Burt Caesar, Mervyn Weir and Arthur Torrington. Jonathan Miller represented the church and introduced the Mayor of Camden. The musical interludes featuring Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ played on solo violin and piano were a powerful and moving highlight for us. The photos from the back of a packed audience don’t really do justice to the performers.
The exhibition panels give a good overview of Equiano’s life with expert guides (well, us) on hand to answer questions.
Although the launch event has been and gone the exhibition continues until the end of August at the American International Church, Tottenham Court Road, very close to Goodge Street tube station.
The exhibition will be open between 12 noon and 14.00 and then again between 17.00 and 20.00 on 16th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th and 29th August. Opening times on Saturday 17th and Saturday 24th will be 10.00 to 17.00. The exhibition is free.
There is a special event on Saturday 17th when, James Walvin, a Professor of History at York University and author of many books on black British history, will be speaking on the subject of ‘Equiano, The Slave Trade and The Cause of Freedom’. Tickets for the talk are on Eventbrite, admission to the talk is free.
Do try and get there if you can.