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Unsung Hero: Dr. José Lingna Nafafé Explores African Role in Slave Trade Abolition

Discover the untold story of an African hero who fought against slavery. Dr. Nafafé's lecture challenges our understanding of the abolition movement.

In this black and white image, we can see some books in order.
In this black and white image, we can see some books in order.

Unsung Hero: Dr. José Lingna Nafafé Explores African Role in Slave Trade Abolition

This Black History Month, Dr. José Lingna Nafafé will deliver a thought-provoking lecture, shining a light on the often-overlooked role of Africans in the fight against the Atlantic slave trade. The talk will centre around the inspiring figure of Lourenço da Silva Mendonça, an 18th-century Angolan orator who, as a former enslaved person, courageously advocated for the total abolition of the slave trade.

Born in Angola, Mendonça was once enslaved himself. However, he managed to escape and eventually became a prominent orator in Lisbon. Around 1788, he delivered a powerful speech condemning the Atlantic slave trade. His words, filled with passion and conviction, echoed through the halls of power, challenging the status quo.

Mendonça's advocacy predates the more widely known European abolitionists by decades. He argued for the complete abolition of the slave trade, a stance that was remarkably progressive for his time. His story serves as a reminder that the fight against slavery was not solely a European endeavour, but a global struggle with roots in Africa itself.

Dr. Nafafé's lecture promises to be an enlightening exploration of Mendonça's life and legacy. By highlighting the role of Africans in the abolition movement, the talk aims to broaden our understanding of this crucial period in history. The event is a testament to the power of individual voices in driving change, even in the face of immense adversity.

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