Pupils chart slave’s journey from chains to freedom

STUDENTS and schoolchildren will be delving into the murky world of slavery today when they take part in a series of activities to mark the start of Black History Month.

More than 90 pupils from St Nicholas Primary School in Beverley will explore the remarkable life of Venture Smith, an African slave who worked his way to freedom and went on to become a rich businessman and landowner.

Professor Bob Hall, from America, will hold a Press conference dressed as Smith as the youngsters learn about his epic struggle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The man who became known as Venture Smith was Broteer Furro, who was captured by an army of slavers at the northern tip of what is now Cameroon.

He was embarked on a slaving ship which set sail from the Gold Coast of what is now Ghana in May or June, 1739, and was sold into slavery for “four gallons of rum and a piece of calico”.

He was put to work on a farm in the Rhode Island area of North America, then a British colony, but after years of toil managed to save enough money to buy his and his family’s freedom – and went on to form a successful partnership with his last owner, Colonel Oliver Smith.

A series of activities are being held at Hull History Centre and Wilberforce House Museum, and students from Hull University will be passing on their knowledge to the pupils.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dr Nicholas Evans, lecturer in diaspora history at the Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation, said: “It is excellent that many of our students have volunteered their time to take part in this exciting day of activities.”

Related topics: