“My freedom is a privilege nothing else can equal.” Venture Smith made his feelings clear after buying his freedom. He was a slave from 1739-1765. He was captured in a central part of West Africa when he was 10, suffered the brutal treatment of the slave trade and then sold. Like many young Africans who were valued only for their work capacity, he was sold onto several other masters. However, his last master, Col. Oliver Smith, was unusual. He respected his slaves. Venture, as he became known, was able to earn some money, and eventually could buy his own freedom. He took his former master’s surname.
Over time Venture bought freedom for his wife, his two sons and his daughter. He bought farm land and became a successful businessman. All this happened before the British slave slave was ended, and virtually two generations before slaves in the USA were freed.. It was a outstanding personal achievement Today his descendants, together with the US, celebrate Venture Smith’s successes.
In Britain we acknowledge the vital role 0laudah Equiano played in the Abolitions’ campaign to outlaw the British slave trade. He worked with many others, including William Wilberforce. But once Equiano landed in England he was free. No slavery permitted here. Venture Smith’s road was much harder.
Chandler Saint when a student met Martin Luther King, was inspired and became a Civil Rights activist. In the early 2000s he began working with Professor David Richardson, founder of the Wilberforce Institute, on the Documenting Venture Smith Project. They established the Venture Smith Challenge Cup for under 11s in the East Hull and West Hull rugby clubs, to spread their commitment to racial justice and cooperation today.