Did Jay Z Okay This?
Posted by Bossip Staff
The book you see above is The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, a book used in classrooms all across the nation. Randomly, Jigga’s image was used for the most recent 2008 edition. To the left is the true image of Olaudah Equiano, an image that has been used for all of the other editions.
We’re not quite sure what kind of statement they’re trying to make by using Hov now, so pop it to get the synopsis of the book
He was born, he tells us in his Interesting Narrative of his life, in Essaka, a small village in what is today eastern Nigeria that was ruled by the powerful eighteenth century King of Benin. His parents prophetically named him Olaudah Equiano, to signify his expected role as a leader—as one favored and who spoke with a loud voice. They dressed him after the tradition of their greatest warriors. Through age ten or eleven he was rooted in the cultural, spiritual, economic, religious and political customs of this charming fruitful vail, which he describes as ‘a nation of dancers, musicians, and poets.’
Boosting book sales? Discuss.
AANNDD…although he may not have ok’d the ‘ish above, he most certainly ok’d his likeness on the cover of Cigar Aficianado Mag.
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Sorta looks like Ms. Jay from ANTM…
DAMN! That’s messed up!
These two don’t look anything alike. First off the picture on the left is of a handsome black man and the one on the right… (maybe I shoudn’t go there).
This is probably from someone who thinks all Blacks look alike.
h to the hizzle
I can see how they came to that conclusion-they’re both ugly as hell so it makes sense to me….whats the problem?
omg
wtf?!?! i had to read that book in undergrad for an African history cl*****… why would you have somebody else’s picture on a autobiography?? or are we just supposed to envision Jay-z going through middle p*****age? is that supposed to make it more real for the kids?? FAIL
damn I had to look and read that again
Huh? I heard of re-writing history, but this is ridiculous.
Damn! I reread this like 18 times…
That looks just like hova…
wanna recognize more millionaire, you can log on __cl*****ymingle.com___. where you can meet many hot friends including some celebrities, millionaire and celebrities dating site. what hell are you waiting for.
Wow
Whats next a new book release about Harriet Tubman and a pic of Beyonce on the cover???
Somebody needs more ppl
I remember reading Olaudah Equiano when I was 10…interesting guy. This guy was equipped with the skills to do anything…
And he could navigate ships…what a beast…
Heeeeeeeey Re:)
Smooveeeeee, hey lovely.
LOL @ Beyonce in the place of Hariet…this story gets one big SMH.
Damn Re now that u mention it Hov does look a lil like Olaudah Equiano…wow
*Harriet*
What they’re trying to do is get kids to read, by puttin’ Jay on the cover at least it’ll draw some interest from them, they’ll pick up the book and look at it, I dont know if the lil *****s will open the book though.
@Smoovee
LOL, I meant the new cover is exactly like hova…who knows what Oluadah really looked like…
I mean Hov is a great in his own right u know…les not get outta control with our black history:)
Seriously thats just a lil extra
I beleive they are just trying to put a face teens know, like and respect. Thats all. Yes I do beleive Jay does know about this and is all for it.Everything isnt always a mystery some things are just what the f it is period.
lol
His face is so
I mean, Jay was a drug dealer. That’s kind of wack…putting him in the place of a former slave who accomplished so much as legitimately as possible.
6am, who else?
lmaoooooooo that looks horrible.
Bwahahahahahahhaaaa!
They are useing Jay-Z because he is a smart self made black millionaire with a rich millionaire wife who else would they used?
***** you RE! WTF are you and your people gonna do about those **********in’ pirates? I say just start shooting the *****s in the foreheads before they can even reach the ship, it aint like ya’ll aint got some big ***** targets, you ever seen a somalian/ethiopian with a small forehead? thats like sayin’ you’ve seen a messycan over 15 who aint pregnant!
good morning everyone!
@6am
That was so disrespectful I’m not even going to respond. How you going to address somebody like that?
WTH? Why are J’s already crazy lookin lips so freaking pink. Not a good look. Funny though.
“Through age ten or eleven he was rooted in the cultural, spiritual, economic, religious and political customs of this charming fruitful vail, which he describes as ‘a nation of dancers, musicians, and poets.”
Based on that, I think Nas would have been a better example than Jay-Z. Or anyone else!
Hi Aunt Viv/Lady A:)
Like what? i as an american want to know what you and your people plan to do about these damn pirates?
Like, “eff you Re.”
What happened to “hey” “hello” “what’s up”…you know, things of that nature. Lol…I know you’re animated but damn, I am a woman…
And I plan to do nothing…as for the Ethiopians, who knows. We don’t own Somalians, and we have bad-blood between us anyway…
@Re
I mean, Jay was a drug dealer. That’s kind of wack…putting him in the place of a former slave who accomplished so much as legitimately as possible.
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Don’t forget woman beater, various degrees of *****hole, and other sundry things.
I agree, this is pathetic. Let’s teach our children to look up to drug dealers and such by unjustly *****ociating them with people of color who have done remarkable things and deserve the accolades.
Again, Clueless strikes.
I guess everyone has there own taste because I think Jay-Z is just wonderful I dont give a damn about he used to sell drugs so what I smoke weed so whats the problem? I also love Jay-Z lips how do yall want his lips to look like Donald Trump lips? And I believe Jay smells good he looks like it.
I guess they wanted to draw some attention to the book but I never heard of putting someone else on the cover of an autobiography..that is just crazy.
I really don’t see in parallels in their lives other than persistance.
All black people do NOT look alike
RE RE
They are useing Jay-Z because he is a smart self made black millionaire with a rich millionaire wife who else would they used?
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In most cases, it takes money to make money. Jay-Z had quite a bit of financial backing to get his career started. Where did the financial backing come from, you ask? Drugs.
Yes, that’s something to look up to *rolls her eyes*
@me (the original)® Sensual Sickness
Well said my dear! Two different and contradictory figures. I do not approve this picture!
@Be
I guess they wanted to draw some attention to the book but I never heard of putting someone else on the cover of an autobiography..that is just crazy.
I really don’t see in parallels in their lives other than persistance.
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It says a lot about society when historical figures on books are switched out for pop icons just to get more people to read it. What next: Beyonce on the cover of a book about Harriet Tubman?
I wanted to come to this blog to see how ignorant most of you would be and I was right. The fact that SOME of you do not know who Olaudah Equiano is in relation to black history and the African diaspora goes to show why we as black people may NEVER get ahead as a people. SOME of you *****S have royaly *****ed me off.
WHY DO WE IGNORE THE FACT THAT ALICIA KEYS IS A HOMEWRECKER?
HOW MANY PEOPLE THINK TI SNITCHED?
IS BEYONCE A W***** OR AN ENTERTAINER?
Whatyoupunkswontsay.blogspot.com
I just can’t belive that they would disrepect that man life like that by putting jay’s face on the cover. I f you ever read the book no one no one in these times has ever gone through what that man has. And if this was to get kids to read it then shame on there parents for not telling them that there was a book out there about the real life of slaves instead of them going out here so deamn busy killing each other. OH by the way Jay was never a durg dealer he said that he rap about people that was.
Uh, then there are quite a few people in NYC lying about doing stuff for him regarding the drug game.
@This – It says a lot about society when historical figures on books are switched out for pop icons just to get more people to read it. What next: Beyonce on the cover of a book about Harriet Tubman?
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If they were going to use someone else I think they should have used an educational role model..use Obama but Jay Z was a far stretch. I am not knocking Jay z for his accomplishments but this was just not good.
Equiano and Jay Z have nothing in common.
This looks like a ploy to sell copies if it weren’t for the fact that this book happens to be one of the best-selling slave narratives of all time. I won’t even go into the fact that it was one of the first one’s ever published, but the fact that Equiano wrote it from the perspective of a learned scholar definitely got under Crackers’ skin.
This book marked the end of the “moral authority” argument for civilizing heathens through slavery. It also spelled the end of pretending that the “peculiar institution” had prentenses of intellectual superiority.
Equiano wrote the book at a time when the majority of white people couldn’t read.
WHY DO WE IGNORE THE FACT THAT ALICIA KEYS IS A HOMEWRECKER?
HOW MANY PEOPLE THINK TI SNITCHED?
IS BEYONCE A W***** OR AN ENTERTAINER?
____________________________________________-
Alicia is a homewrecker -TRUE
TI SNITCHED- MAD TRUE
Beyonce w***** or entertainer – Entertainer
IMO
For the record, I think Olaudah Equiano and Jay-Z look nothing alike and should NOT be compared to each other! Olaudah Equiano was an abolitionist; Jay-Z is a buffoon who furthers the cause of European imperialism with his whack ***** record about drugs and other bull*****.
For the record, I think Olaudah Equiano and Jay-Z look nothing alike and should NOT be compared to each other! Olaudah Equiano was an abolitionist; Jay-Z is a buffoon who furthers the cause of European imperialism with his whack ***** record about drugs and other bull*****.
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damn thats harsh b
@be wat up wat up , lookin fly in that gravy
@Mickey
Then that makes Jay-z a *****ing liar who perpetrates a destructive lifestyle to sell albums like Lil Wayne, 50 cent, Akon and Rick Ross, among others to name@anon
I lost respect for Alicia when I found out she broke up a marriage
I think T. I. had to turn states evidence to get only one year and a day-that’s the blueprint for a plea deal, and anyone who knows criminal justices will not be fooled by T.I. flase claims he didn’t snitch.
Beyonce is a attention, w*****, but the alternative to her is Mylie Cyrus
they should of used Mike from day 26 they look very much alike
imo
damn yall are some educated negroes…lol
that cant be the real copy…cant be..
Thanks Pedro!! I’m good
its aight
LoL @ John Hope Franklin
Equiano was required reading for the Bison freshman. Blame Howard University.
@lady next door
And these are the sad times that we live in what a great man that has really rose above being in hell to have a rapper on the cover of his book because people look up to him that don’t know their history.
that pic is as funny as hell and it looks like hov in real life.. cant stop laughing…
Goes to show how stupid people are. Because Gay Z has money he should be respected…total bull*****. What a disprespect to put his face there instead of Mr. Equianoh dignified face.
@dicooper
hell it was at morehouse too…lol
smdh
wtf!
BE has a valid point, too..
I can’t think of ONE biography that has a picture of someone else on the cover in lieu of the person who the book is about.
Seriously, people should complain about this.
that’s weird.
stop hating on the boy hov!! lmao at all this comments.
They are useing Jay-Z because he is a smart self made black millionaire.
Lady Next Door
For the record, I think Olaudah Equiano and Jay-Z look nothing alike and should NOT be compared to each other! Olaudah Equiano was an abolitionist; Jay-Z is a buffoon who furthers the cause of European imperialism with his whack ***** record about drugs and other bull*****.
______________________________
True and perhaps that’s why Jay-Z’s pict is in white face and red lips.
@john and DI Cooper
It was at Univ. of MD Eastern S***** as well…
LMBAO @ Ms. Jay. Indeed!
@Mickey
I have to shake my head for black people. We need to do better.
I read this book in my African Diaspora cl***** and it has ***** to do with a Jay-Z. It’s degrading to the author because if I’m not mistaken its and autobiography. SMDH!
@re
how are you so up on x-men?? sexist me thinkin’ only us men read comics as kids…
you might be a keeper…lol(smile)
@Celebs
that’s weird.
stop hating on the boy hov!! lmao at all this comments.
They are useing Jay-Z because he is a smart self made black millionaire.
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/facepalm
Putting Jay Z on the cover of this book is blasphemous and should be outlawed. When will this man and his wife stop “snaking around” and aligning themselves with “greatness” in the hope that it will “rub off by *****ociation” and actually step up to the plate and create something worthwhile themselves?
Jay Z was a drug dealer and abusively manhandled a woman in public. He and his camp have tried to sell a number of stories to the public to try to whitewash his behavior and choices. Do not be lead by the nose – he did it and the end does not justify the means in his case.
Jay Z might be more successful in his attempts to be seen as a respectable human being if he simply “manned up” and told kids not to emulate his poor choices – as any true role model would.
For the record: I do not begrudge ANYONE achieving success – as I have been very successful and financially blessed all my life however, I will not “dummy down” and be apathetic when I see people being sold a bill of goods. It is wrong – plain and simple and as I have stated in the past, one has to stand for something (no exceptions or excuses).
Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think Jay-Z’s picture on the cover of this book is to compare the two at all. In fact I think it’s the opposite. I think they are showing the differences and the struggles of what being Black used to be and who we looked up to(Equiano, Woodson, Douglas, etc..) compared to where we are today, and who influences us (Jay-Z, Diddy, etc..).
@john hope franklin
Hmm, good question! Well, I used to read ALOT…like, EVERYTHING…including the labels on the back of Air Freshning spray cans…
Anyway, my elementary school used to give out comic books at lunch, and I guess you can say it started from there. I have too much imagination anyway…
@ Taking a Stand
I feel down right HORRIBLE for saying this…but it has to be said (Sorry Jay, I still love you) but you are right HE DOES LOOK LIKE MS JAY FROM ANTM! LMOA!!
Looks just like the runway extroidainaire…lol too funny…
Maybe JZ is Olaudah Equiano reincarnated? See it took real genius to think of that. But why does he have to have red lipstick on?
Jay Z doesn’t need his image distorted at all. Uggh!
Is this what he have to look up to now how much a man makes. The almighty dollar. What about having respect for the non famous man that gets up every morning and goes to work to take care of his family. Or the grandparents that are taking care of the grandkids because their parent can’t. Come on now we can do so much better then this. And no i’m not hate jay but damn look a lil deeper people *****!
This is the STRANGEST thing that I have seen in a while
WHO ELSE replaces the image of their HISTORICAL FIGURES with RAP ARTISTES.
Is this GOING TO happen with OTHER books
NEXT it will be SOULJAH BOY
This really is a JOKE
JAY Z should not have allowed his IMAGE to be used for SUCH
In doing SO he has RENDERED a great DESERVICE to the Black American community
@bb
i agree!! i agree…
@Roe Ski Love
I’m so sorry I never responded on the “Shorty Swing My Way” thread…I had to go to cl*****…but thank you a million times over. I was very touched…
what kind of f*ckery is this?!? I want the original! I love some Jay Z, but he in no ways compares to what Equiano did.
Olaudah Equiano = Dwayne Wade
Olaudah & Dwayne coulda been brothers
i better get another copy before this garbage makes print…
@ Smoovee Sayz GOTTT DAMNNN You is a bad sumpin sumpin SUMPIN FO REALLLL. Like Biggie said look so good nicca suck on ya daddies *****! *bowing down in honor of ya fineness*
And…..(with 5 dots)
Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think Jay-Z’s picture on the cover of this book is to compare the two at all. In fact I think it’s the opposite
That’s deep. Do you think that the comparision displays JZ in a negative way?
It’s shockingly a real cover just checked on amazon but there’s loadsa different versions. Why would Jay be used as the face of another man’s autobiography? Plain stupid…
Did anyone see the movie Enemy Mine
You gotta be *****ing kidding me! What the hell has Jay Z done that is sooooo great? Has he given back to all the CRACK MOTHERS AND BABIES that he used to get where he is now? Are we to celebrate this man for all the “kilos” he has claimed to sale? What the ***** is his claim to fame except selling drugs and marrying a country gal? Gimme a *****in break, dude. That’s wack. I think Mos Def would have worked waaaaaaaaaaaay betta. At least you can dance to his music and he aint braggin about how many folks he killed with drugs. Real talk.
Wow! The establishment/elite are really coming down hard now…comparing a former CRACK DEALER with weak MC skills to a great African-American HERO that was a voice for millions when Blacks had no voice at all….this is truly sick and perverted AND DOWN RIGHT DISRESPECTFUL..
This is a prime example of why it is so important that we as a community educate our own children and set up a curriculum for them.
Sad… just sad.
Is it me or is that Lil’ Wayne on the left???
@Wenzel Dashington
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my word, that really does look like Weezy. God forgive me for the insult…
This some shhhh…
And…..(with 5 dots)
Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think Jay-Z’s picture on the cover of this book is to compare the two at all. In fact I think it’s the opposite
That’s deep. Do you think that the comparision displays JZ in a negative way?
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ABSOLUTELY! If you look at the picture, he’s in “white face” and red lips indicating to me that he (and others like him who have made it) has “sold out” to the establishment, which is pretty much how a lot of Blacks succeed today. This goes against the grain of abolitionist and the old freedom fighters like Olaudah. I don’t think by putting Jay-Z on the cover is indicating that Jay-Z and Olaudah are one in the same, but more along the lines of where we were in the past (i.e. freedom fighters) vs where we are in the present (i.e. sell-outs). That’s my take on it.
JZ ‘was’ a drug dealer sounds like his past. I’m sure like all ghetto kids who are brainwashed by materialism his only option to quick money was the so-called victimless crime of dealing who’s going to give you a job when all you know is hustling and stealing? He grew up in a time when the drug life was glamorized when the wall street crooks were getting hooked. Destroying what was left of the Black community, who cared? Not many of the residents, especially the ones who were stuck in their self imposed rut in the projects. All the good people left they couldn’t handle the madness they had to save themselves before sinking. The gym shoes boys had no direction and the ’system’ took advantage of our weakness. Before you blame him for the troubles of the world read DARK ALLIANCE and find out who the real enemies are and why many of them are still in DC p*****ing defective legislation in the land. What laws did he make? I’m not dismissing drug dealers as harmless ghetto gnats either, I’m in touch with the psychology of their money addiction. Why don’t you read about how the CIA with the help of snitches and haters flooded the lower income communities with drugs to numb US and how willingly some accepted the fate. 20+years of conservative rule and dixicrat hate. I’m talking about the preachers, teachers, and law. There was money to be made locking up instead of rehabilitating. I’m not his defense attorney; however, we have to look into things critically before judging, convicting and dismissing people. When his poetry is flowing we know all the money in the world can’t buy talent, maybe it can be manufactured until the audience discovers the phony, but so can blow up dolls.
I’m not sure what to think about the painting on the book other than the artist captured the spirit of Sean carters eyes. Anyone can write a two line verbal insult, not everyone can formulate an intelligent argument.
SMDH!!!!!!!!!!! ARTISTS will b artists.. LMAO!!!!!!
While JAY Z might SEEM like some kind of “HEROIC FIGURE” to some
A VITAL point is being missed here.
This is the AUTOBIOGRAPHY of a Black American ancestor.
You live in a country where MANY do not believe that you have any kind of TANGIBLE history
Putting the IMAGES of RAPPERS and CARTOON CHARACTERS on Black Autobiogaphies will not help that PERCEPTION
@Mmmm, so good you’ll lick the wrapper
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I think your post is the very essence of WHY a lot of us are up in arms.
I agree with you, Jay-Z didn’t “create” the drug game. He’s not the first, and certainly isn’t the last. Best believe there are plenty out there doing the same thing, in all shades, and some making TONS of money. It’s understandable why people get caught up in it, but with all of that, it *still* doesn’t make it right.
To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if this got a lot of backing from people of the same mindset LIKE those you talk about, who p*****ed said laws and such to help suffocate our community.
There is nothing positive about this. The statement that Jay Z is a self made millionaire is false. All those people who bought off him, ran drugs for him, etc…THEY made him. If he had no one to push it on, then where would he be now?
Quoting you here:
“Why don’t you read about how the CIA with the help of snitches and haters flooded the lower income communities with drugs to numb US and how willingly some accepted the fate. 20+years of conservative rule and dixicrat hate. I’m talking about the preachers, teachers, and law. There was money to be made locking up instead of rehabilitating…”
Instead of educating our children to the poisonous efforts to hold people down, we should instead inspire them to be like those caught up in it? And better yet, liken them to true prodigies?
Not my child, no thanks.
It’s definitely an eye catcher and would make the average person curious to read the book with J’s pix on it. Actually, if it gets people to read, it’s not a bad thing – in the long run. But how does “J” feel about it?
It’s definitely an eye catcher and would make the average person curious to read the book with J’s pix on it. Actually, if it gets people to read, it’s not a bad thing – in the long run. But how does “J” feel about it?
___________________________________________________
JAY Z fans might not READ the book once they realize that it is not abot him
I really cant believe they have a story worthy of discussion. but they want us to discuss HOV’s approval???!!!
To Mmmm, so good you’ll lick the wrapper @ 1:39 pm:
The fact that Jay Z was a drug dealer and publicly abused a female in the past is relevant today because he now tries to whitewash it and pretend it is not a reality. Further, I do not believe being a ghetto kid, etc. is justification for choosing to regularly indulge in, and profit from, illegal activity that ruins and ends lives – particularly when he seemingly exists in a state of denial and delusion about it rather than responsibly step up and man up to his own poor choices, and in so doing set an admirable example to impressionable youth and redeem himself. How he now chooses to handle what he did in the past makes all the difference. As I said previously, aligning himself with “greatness” in the hope that it will “rub off by *****ociation” only fools those who are in need of enlightenment – enter blogging.
I hardly blame Jay Z for the troubles of the world. I am aware of the malice, fear, and corruption that fueled (and continues to fuel) the intentional sabotage of the black race (in all of it’s many beautiful colors) however, allowing his countenance to be put on the cover of this particular book, seemingly for self promotion, is a part of the same sabotage, in my opinion. Jay Z judges, convicts and dismisses himself with his own whitewashing and continually pretending to be something he is not or pretending not to be something he is.
Wikipedia:
Olaudah Equiano (c. 1745 – 31 March 1797), also known as Gustavus V*****a, was one of the most prominent people of African heritage (Igbo) involved in the British debate for the abolition of the slave trade. His autobiography depicted the horrors of slavery and helped influence British lawmakers to abolish the slave trade through the Slave Trade Act of 1807. Despite his enslavement as a young man, he purchased his freedom and worked as a seaman, merchant, and explorer in South America, the Caribbean, the Arctic, the American colonies, and the United Kingdom.
By his own account, Olaudah Equiano’s early life began in the region of “Essaka” (in his spelling) near the River Niger, an Igbo-speaking region of modern day Nigeria. His father was an important elder in the village, who helped settle disputes. Equiano’s people were tribesmen with few wants. During Equiano’s childhood and while his parents were not at home, he was kidnapped by kinsmen and forced into domestic slavery in another native village in a region where the African chieftain hierarchy was tied to slavery. Until then he had never seen a European white man.[1][2] Equiano lived with five brothers and a sister, and was part of a large family before he and his sister were kidnapped. He was the youngest son with one younger sister.
At the age of eleven, Equiano and his sister were stolen and threatened by fellow Africans and sold to slave owners. Equiano was sold to white slave traders and taken to the English colonies, specifically Virginia. Equiano changed hands a few times before being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. On arrival, he was bought by Michael Pascal, a lieutenant in the Royal Navy. Pascal decided to rename him Gustavus V*****a, a Latinized form of the name Gustav Vasa, a Swedish *****le who had become king of Sweden in the 16th century, Gustav I of Sweden[citation needed]. Forcing slaves to accept a new name was common practice among slave owners when slaves changed hands. This was but one of many names Equiano had been given by slave owners through his life, however, this time Equiano refused and boldly told his new owner that he would prefer to be called Jacob. As a punishment, Pascal had him cuffed and told him that he would remain in shackles until he accepted the name chosen for him.
In the book about his life, Equiano wrote that the treatment of slaves working inside the slave owners’ homes in Virginia was extremely cruel, including several unusual forms of punishments such as an “iron muzzle” used around the mouths of the enslaved to keep house slaves quiet, leaving them barely able to speak or eat. The narrative conveys the fright and amazement Equiano experienced in his new environment. He thought that the eyes on pictures hanging on the wall followed him wherever he went, and a clock hanging from the chimney would tell his master about anything Equiano would do wrong.
Being the slave of a naval captain, Captain Pascal, Equiano was afforded naval training and was able to travel extensively. This was during the Seven Years War with France. Equiano was Pascal’s personal servant but was also expected to contribute in times of battle; his duty was to haul gunpowder to the gun decks. As one of his favourite servants Equiano was sent to Ms. Guerin, Pascal’s sister, to attend school and learn to read in England. At this time the other servants warned Equiano that if he wasn’t baptized he wouldn’t be able to go to Heaven. Eventually his master allowed him to be baptized in St. Margaret’s church, Westminster, in February 1759. Despite the special treatment, after the war was won Equiano did not receive his share of the prize money awarded to the other sailors, along with his freedom, even though he was told by Pascal he would receive it. It was on these journeys that Equiano was taught how to read and write from various sources.
Later, Olaudah Equiano was sold on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean Leeward Islands. Equiano’s literacy and seamanship skills made him too valuable for plantation labour. It also made him less desirable to some slave traders. Equiano was too well educated for some and the fact that he knew how to navigate a ship scared many away from him. He was acquired by Robert King, a Quaker merchant from Philadelphia who traded in the Caribbean. King set Equiano to work on his shipping routes and in his stores. In 1765, King promised that for forty pounds, the price he had paid for Equiano, Equiano could buy his freedom. King taught him to read and write more fluently, educated him in the Christian faith, and allowed Equiano to engage in his own profitable trading as well as on his master’s behalf, enabling Equiano to come by the forty pounds honestly. In his early twenties, Equiano succeeded in buying his freedom.
King urged Equiano to stay on as a business partner, but Equiano found it dangerous and limiting to remain in the British American colonies as a freed black. While loading a ship in Georgia, he was almost kidnapped back into slavery. He was released when the level of his education was made apparent. Equiano returned to England, where after Somersett’s Case of 1772, it was generally believed that no person could be a slave in England itself.
Although Equiano’s death is recorded in London, 1797, the location of his burial is unsubstantiated. One of his last London addresses appears to have been Plaisterer’s Hall in the City of London (where he drew up his will on 28 May 1796).
Having drawn up his will, Olaudah Equiano moved to John Street, Tottenham Court Road, close to Whitefield’s Methodist chapel (rebuilt for the Congregationalists in the 1950s and now the American Church in London, where there is a small, recent memorial); and lastly Paddington Street, Middlesex where he died. His death was reported in newspaper obituaries at the time, but seems not to have been widely known. He may have moved frequently and left an unclear trail to his burial place out of concerns for his safety and a desire to rest in peace.[citation needed] Factions of the political elite sought to suppress reformers and those linked to them in the 1790s, the time of the French Revolution and close on the heels of the American Revolution. Equiano had been an active member of the London Corresponding Society that campaigned to extend the vote to working men, and had seen his close friend Thomas Hardy, the Society’s Secretary, prosecuted by the government (though without success) on the basis that this amounted to treason. In December 1797, unaware that Equiano had died nine months earlier, the government-sponsored Anti-Jacobin, or Weekly Examiner presumed him to still be alive, for it satirised him at a fictional meeting of the Friends of Freedom.
Olaudah Equiano’s will demonstrates the sincerity of his religious and social beliefs. Had his daughter Joanna died before reaching the age of inheritance (twenty-one), half his wealth would have p*****ed to the Sierra Leone Company for the continued provision of *****istance to West Africans, and half to the London Missionary Society, which promoted education overseas. This organization had been formed the previous November at the Countess of Huntingdon’s Spa Fields Chapel. By the early nineteenth century, The Missionary Society had become well known worldwide as non-denominational, though it was largely Congregational.
To all the readers of thi site. Jay-z knows that he isn’t the most lookable man out. but just as long as wife beyonce loves it why can’t we. I think he looks good but he do have extra large lips that will be a trademark for his children. His children will be beauitful kids with unfortnely big lips but good looking anyway. You go jay-z and beyonce, love your swagger jay and your beauty beyonce
Damn…All I can do is laugh my ***** off.
Jay looks a site. Giving him red lips takes it a whole nother level. HAHAHAA!!!
WIT “JIGGA’S” LIP PAINTED LIKE THAT…THEY LOOK LIKE A MONKEY’S *****!
@me (the original)®
“Instead of educating our children to the poisonous efforts to hold people down, we should instead inspire them to be like those caught up in it? And better yet, liken them to true prodigies?”
20yrs of conservative rule I didn’t expect you to say anything different. Your statement makes no sense to me.
I wasn’t saying anyone should wallow in the past. I was challenging people to learn from it.
I think it is important for some people who don’t understand the psychology of individuals like Jay Z to learn from their mistakes and misguided attempts at wealth. I also think it is important to learn that some people just don’t give a damn about uplifing anyone other then themselves. I’ve read countless people saying, “He was a drug dealer, what about the crack babies and the black community?” Lets face it when you selling dope you don’t care about nothing but that money. Despite the fact of people like JZ overcoming their poverty, so many others didn’t. That’s no secret. Ever hear of The Rockefeller drug laws? I digress, there is absolutely nothing wrong with learning about what the government did to poor people. Nor is it wrong to learn about what many poor people did to survive. As twisted as that sounds—Regan Era survival was gold diamonds furs limos sex drugs disco rock-roll. What are you afraid of knowing about the “poisonous efforts to hold people down” as you called it?
If you don’t educate people on the past they may repeat in the future or worse further self destruct. Need inspiration go to church. Want to know the truth? Research for yourself.
“Liken them to true prodigies?”
How can you, when ‘most’ children in low income areas don’t receive the same education as other children in higher income brackets? I think its great that you’re teaching your children to rise above their surroundings, but some children don’t have that type of support so they hustle spending years wasting in a pool of materalistic ordure.
“You can and should shape your own future once you become an adult; because if you don’t someone else will.” Friends, Military, Prison, Death, Mental Illness, etc.
@me (the original)®
“Instead of educating our children to the poisonous efforts to hold people down, we should instead inspire them to be like those caught up in it? And better yet, liken them to true prodigies?”
20yrs of conservative rule I didn’t expect you to say anything different. Your statement makes no sense to me.
——————————–
How does that not make any sense? I’m saying that we need to make our children aware of what’s going on.
I understand what you’re saying, as far as a person being poor and doing what they must do to survive. I am not trying to dehumanize Jay-Z, what I am saying is that he should not be used a “role-model”, nor should he be compared to Olaudah Equiano.
I rather see low income children be pointed in the direction of government *****istance, grants, scholarships and student loans in lieu of being told (subliminally) that it’s okay to deal drugs, kill or anything like that because the ends will justify the means. Maybe we just have a fundamental difference of opinions there.
@don’t sell your soul
I don’t know Jay Z personally, do you? I don’t know about him pretending. I only know of him as a performer and what I’ve seen him do on video and say in public. I saw a video of him in south Africa and what I saw I thought it was disgusting and it solidified my opinions about him. Do I believe he can change? Yes. Anyone with a brain, and a will to change can.
I made a recommendation to read the book Dark Alliance by Gary Webb I didn’t say it was mandatory reading.
Truth hurts doesn’t it? Where in my comment did I justify criminal behavior? Please don’t make up words to fit into your *****umption of what I’m communicating. Also I didn’t say anything about supporting the publishers who replaced Olaudah Equiano face with Jay Z. I said the artist captured jz eyes. You spoke of enlightenment and fools…Thanks, for blogging.
Also, wouldn’t you say that in a sense, having Jay Z on this cover is a way of subliminally telling children that he is something to aspire to? And, by that end, just continuing the cycle of what’s been going on for years now?
See, if this were a BOOK about Jay Z, where the story is told of what he did and WHY, that’d be one thing, but it isn’t. This is a story about a historical figure’s life, and said historical figure has nothing to do with Jay Z at all. Nothing. So for that reason, my opinion stands.
@me,
I can’t speak of subliminal messages unless I’m the one sending them. Some may say he’s promoting alcholism, smoking, and cancer by being on a cover that promotes humidors, cigars, and fine wine… Then again others may say he’s a fine salesman.
As I stated earlier I said nothing about the cover of the book other than the artist captured jz eyes. My facts and opinions remain the same as well. Gotta run ME, see YA!
@Mmmm, so good you’ll lick the wrapper
Okay. Hope to talk to you again!
Is Jigga wearing lipstick? LMAO!!
good lawd, Jay-Z has been slapped with some serious ugly…SMH
To Mmmm, so good you’ll lick the wrapper @ 5:03 pm:
I have formed an opinion about what Jay Z himself has put out there, and his attempts to whitewash his past poor choices and behavior is “pretense”, as is the “rub off greatness” strategy/agenda.
I don’t know whose truth you are referring to. I am not in any pain. I don’t recall taking issue with your book recommendation nor did I accuse you of justifying criminal behavior. I addressed what I interpreted to be some sort of defense of a ghetto kid’s crime of dealing – but I certainly did not accuse you of anything. There is a world of difference between the words interpretation and accusation. Furthermore, I stated MY opinion that the publishers and Jay Z are part of the sabotage of the black race by putting his face on the cover of this particular book (if Jay Z agreed to it). I did not say that you support it. It’s simply not all about you.
Finally, I’ll take the high road on the rest and sincerely wish you well.
who else…lil kim as mz harriet tubman?
My professor had us read Equiano’s book this semester, it was very interesting (although sometimes drawn out) nevertheless, It’s a real good read, I’m offended that they would put jay’s likeness on this cover. Whether he is a popular rapper or not, Equiano’s story shouldn’t be defiled by the degrading mysoginistic music of Jay-Z.
Aside from Jay being on the new cover, does anybody else see the resemblance to MISS Jay (ANTM) on the old cover? This is not to take away from the book itself, which I’ve read and see zero connection that would inspire them to think of Jay-Z….
*dies of laughter*
Is this a joke?
WOW, THEY NEED BETTER MARKETING SCHEMES!
maybe the connection was that they’re both illuminati!
[...] of his culture. NOW I see how it’s related to Jay-Z. Do I see a lawsuit coming? Via: Bossip Related Posts:Video: Jay-Z vs. Kobe, who owns the power on the [...]
I wonder how many of you that think Jay-z’s image being used to replace the authentic/original image have actually read this book? Although Jay-z has a interesting story, I cannot see how using his image on the cover would make this historical story be more relevant to the youth of today. I would love to ask the publisher -Where is the integrity in this choice? Why as a public should we allow 1/2 truths erode the rich heritage we share? Why should truth bow it’s knee to the popular culture standard? Why not try to lift the standard of public culture by highlighting truth instead? I know some would argue that it’s only a small white lie that would probably encourage children toward reading this book. But if they can meddle with the cover maybe we should wonder about the content too………………..just wondering???
@Diadem Kiss
But if they can meddle with the cover maybe we should wonder about the content too………………..just wondering???
————————————————
It has happened…since black people at that time could not read they had to appeal to the white audience…dont rule out a possibility of true content being tampered with.
@BritChick- TRUE…….but it gets me irrate when they try to pull the wool over the eyes of uneducated/naive ones. Esp if seems it’s probably only for financial gain anyway. Next question-When does the exploitation stop & the realness begin?
Blessings to my fellow UK sis
BTW this is bossip so the stories full of S*** anyway. lol
ooooooops probably full of S***
daaaaang we all know Jay got some big soup coolers but the artist could have AT LEAST made the lip color a LITTLE less OBvious. Lookin’ at THAT artsy fartsy ***** makin’ me mad daggit!
LMAO this is just wrong.
Um yea, this is ridiculous!!!
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