The Igbo in the Transatlantic Slave Trade: Victims, Participants, and Resilient Souls

Ndeewo Nwanne,

Welcome back to Echiche Igbo!

This edition takes you on a captivating journey through Igbo history, music, and literature. We'll learn more about the strength and resilience of the Igbo people, explore new sounds from talented artists, and celebrate the legacy of a literary icon.

Here's a taste of what awaits you:

1. The Igbo in the Transatlantic Slave Trade: A look at the resilience and strength of the Igbo people in the face of adversity.

2. New Music: Groove to the latest track by Larry Gaaga, Flavour, Phyno & Theresa Onuorah - 'OBODO'.

3. Children's Corner: A fun printable activity sheet focused on Ọnụọgụgụ (Numbers) for our younger learners.

4. Literary Icon: Learn about Flora Nwapa, the mother of modern African literature, and her enduring legacy.

The Igbo in the Transatlantic Slave Trade: Victims, Participants, and Resilient Souls

The Igbo people's experience during the transatlantic slave trade reveals a history marked by complex roles, deep suffering, and acts of resilience. This dark period saw the Igbo as both primary victims of enslavement and, in certain cases, participants driven by unique socio-political and economic pressures. Understanding the full spectrum of Igbo involvement in the slave trade helps the global Igbo community honour this history and recognize its lasting impact on the present.

Igbo as Victims: The Scars of Enslavement

During the height of the transatlantic slave trade (1650–1900), Igbo people were among the most frequently enslaved ethnic groups. Estimates suggest that up to 14.6% of enslaved Africans were taken from the Bight of Biafra, a region predominantly inhabited by Igbo communities. Many of these individuals were forcibly removed during village raids or captured as prisoners in conflicts.

The Igbo were well-known among slave owners for their spirit of resistance. Their rebelliousness against the conditions of slavery became legendary, with notable acts like the mass suicide at Dunbar Creek in Georgia in 1803. In this tragic yet powerful incident, around 75 Igbo captives chose to drown themselves rather than submit to life in bondage, forever etching their story of defiance into African American folklore.

Igbo as Participants: A Darker Role

Though the Igbo were predominantly victims, some Igbo individuals and factions did participate in the slave trade. Notably, the Arochukwu kingdom engaged in capturing and selling other Africans to meet the demands of European traders. The Aro oracle in Arochukwu sometimes condemned people to slavery for minor offences, thereby feeding the European appetite for enslaved individuals.

For many Igbo, this participation was driven by the economic incentives provided by European goods and weaponry. However, not all Igbo territories supported slavery. The Kingdom of Nri and other independent Igbo states were known to provide sanctuary, welcoming escapees and often freeing those who sought refuge.

Nuances and Resilience in Igbo History

The Igbo story in the transatlantic slave trade is one of complexity and nuance. While some Igbo leaders profited from the trade, others were staunchly against it, creating pockets of freedom and resistance within the broader landscape of oppression. Women, often vulnerable targets of slave raiders, also demonstrated resilience. Some were participants as owners and traders, while many others suffered the cruelties of enslavement. This duality reflects the intricate web of survival strategies adopted during this period.

A Legacy That Endures

The Igbo experience during the transatlantic slave trade is a profound aspect of both African and diaspora history. By reflecting on the past—honouring the memories of those who suffered, resisted, and even participated—we gain insights into the courage, strength, and resilience that define the Igbo spirit. For the global Igbo community today, this legacy offers both solemn remembrance and a source of enduring strength.

This historical journey reminds us that understanding our heritage helps shape a united future, bound by a shared memory and the resilient spirit of our ancestors.

Song of the week 

Groove to the latest track by Larry Gaaga, Flavour, Phyno & Theresa Onuorah - 'OBODO'

Our weekly children’s printable

Flora Nwapa: A Trailblazer in African Literature

Flora Nwanzuruahu Nkeiru Nwapa, born on January 13, 1931, in Oguta, Nigeria, was a pioneering Nigerian writer and publisher whose works laid the foundation for African feminist literature. As one of the first African women to publish a novel in English, Nwapa introduced African readers and the world to a female perspective deeply rooted in the cultural richness of Igbo society and the lived experiences of Nigerian women.

Early Life and Education

Flora was the eldest of six children born to Christopher Ijoma Nwapa, a landowner and director in the British palm oil industry, and Martha Onyemma Onumonu Nwapa, a schoolteacher. She grew up in a progressive family that valued education, which allowed her to attend prestigious institutions such as the C.M.S. Central School, Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls School, and Queens College in Lagos. Flora’s academic journey culminated in a Bachelor of Arts from University College, Ibadan, in 1957, followed by a Diploma in Education from the University of Edinburgh in 1958.

Career and Literary Achievements

Upon returning to Nigeria, Nwapa built a diverse career, taking on roles in education, government, and public service. Her career began as an Education Officer in Calabar, and she later taught English and Geography at Queen’s School in Enugu. By 1962, she was serving as Assistant Registrar at the University of Lagos. Her dedication to public service led to ministerial roles in the East Central State as Minister of Health and Social Welfare (1970–1971) and Minister of Lands, Survey, and Urban Development (1971–1974).

Nwapa’s literary career, however, is where her legacy shines brightest. Her groundbreaking novel, Efuru (1966), marked a significant moment in African literature as the first English-language novel published by an African woman. Efuru tells the story of a strong, independent Igbo woman and challenges conventional portrayals of African women by presenting her as complex, resilient, and unbounded by societal expectations. Nwapa went on to write other acclaimed works, including Idu (1970), This Is Lagos and Other Stories (1971), Never Again (1975), One Is Enough (1981), and Women Are Different (1986), all of which explore the intricacies of Igbo life and women’s empowerment.

Pioneering African Publishing

Nwapa’s passion for storytelling and advocacy for women’s representation extended to publishing. In 1970, she founded Tana Press, one of the first African publishing houses owned by a woman. Tana Press, and later Flora Nwapa Books (established in 1977), enabled Nwapa to publish not only her works but also those of other African writers, particularly those highlighting women’s voices. Her mission was to educate and empower women worldwide by showcasing Nigerian women’s roles, challenges, and achievements.

Personal Life and Family

Flora Nwapa married Chief Gogo Nwakuche, a businessman, and together they had two children, Uzoma Gogo Nwakuche and Amede Nzeribe. She also had a daughter, Ejine Nzeribe, from a previous relationship. Despite her husband’s decision to take additional wives, Flora chose to remain in the marriage to ensure her children were raised by their father. Her family life reflected her commitment to preserving familial bonds and navigating complex cultural expectations.

Legacy and Influence

Flora Nwapa is often hailed as the “Mother of Modern African Literature.” Her novels portray strong, self-assured female characters who seek fulfillment and autonomy beyond traditional roles of wife and mother. While she never identified explicitly as a feminist, her works tackled themes central to African feminist literature: gender dynamics, women’s economic independence, and the cultural expectations placed on women. Her nuanced approach allowed her to advocate for women’s rights while celebrating Igbo culture, blending tradition with the aspirations of modern Nigerian women.

Through her writing, Nwapa inspired generations of African women authors to explore feminist themes and showcase the complexities of African womanhood. Her influence extended into the classroom as well, where she taught at esteemed institutions worldwide, including New York University, Trinity College, the University of Minnesota, the University of Michigan, and the University of Ilorin.

A Lasting Impact

Flora Nwapa passed away on October 16, 1993, in Enugu, Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate. Her final novel, The Lake Goddess, was published posthumously. Today, her pioneering work is commemorated through the Flora Nwapa Foundation, established by her son, Uzoma Gogo Nwakuche, in 1994 to continue her mission of empowering African women and celebrating African literature.

Through her groundbreaking contributions to literature, publishing, and the empowerment of African women, Flora Nwapa’s life and work remain a beacon for African writers and an inspiration to those advocating for women’s representation and rights in literature.

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Ya gazie,

Yvonne Chiọma Mbanefo
Editor, Echiche Igbo Newsletter

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