January, 2002

Who Was Ibrahima?
by Samantha

Who was Ibrahima? He was the son of a chief in Africa of the Fula people. In this essay you're going to learn about Ibrahima's life in Africa, when he was sent to America, and when he returned back to Africa.

Ibrahima's life in Africa was peaceful and well-educated. Ibrahima learned many languages, and knew how to read and write. One day a white man, Dr. Cox, stumbled into their willage, and everyone was pretty surprised. Ibrahima was very curious abou the white men's world. When Dr. Cox was well enough to leave, Cox and Ibrahima embraced and said good-bye.

Ibrahima battled with the Mandingo, and they fled into a forest. Ibrahima and his men had been lured into a trap and were captured.

The journey to the sea took weeks. Each day they walked from dawn to dusk. Some of those who could no longer walk were speared and left to die in agony. It was the lucky ones who died instantly if they fell. Ibrahima was inspected then put onto a large ship. The ship was so crowded you could hardly breathe, let alone move. 10% of the Africans died if the trip took longer than the usual 25-30 days. A man named Foster decided to buy Ibrahima for $930.00. Ibrahima was whipped and ordered to do work.

Abolitionist groups raised money to free Ibrahima and bring him back to Africa. When Ibrahima reached Africa, he searched everywhere for his tribe. Ibrahima died searching in Libya in July 1829. Ibrahima was an African taken by force from his native land. He had lost his freedom. He loved his freedom and was denied that freedom.

Now I hope you have learned something about Ibrahima's life in Africa, when he was sent to America, and when he returned to Africa.

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