January, 2002

The Life of Ibrahima
by Conrad

Ibrahima had a pretty bad life. He got captured, he was a slave, and his life in Africa was kind of good when he was king.

Ibrahima's life in Africa was nice. He was born in 1762 in Fauta Djallon. The land was great, there were green mountains, grassy plains, and land filled with rich minerals. He had a good family, there was several children and a wife. He was a king of his tribe.

Ibrahima went to battle Songhai dynasty leader. They followed them to the mountains, but they were trapped. The Songhai tribe was all in bushes and trees. Ibrahima charged and people were dying everywhere. Then he got shot in the back with a bow and arrow, but didn't kill him. They found him and chained him up and took him back to their tribe. It was a trek journey. When they got to the ship they stripped their clothes and threw them in the cargo and shut the door, everyone was jammed into it. People were throwing up and people getting sick. 5% died.

Ibrahima was brought out and put clothes on him. Then they put him up for sale. A guy named Foster bought him for $930 plus one other guy. When Ibrahima got to Foster's farm he tried to tell a white he was son of a chief. He worked out on the field. Then he got too old and Foster released Ibrahima. He went and found a home. Africa started having wars against other African tribes.

Ibrahima was a good man. He had lots of friends and family. I hope there aren't any more slaves in the world.

Ibrahima page
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Background image of 'Into Bondage' by Aaron Douglas 1936