About
We focus on race, culture and politics.
The Equiano Project, founded in August 2020, is a debate, discussion and ideas forum. We facilitate conversations about and promote the values of freedom, common humanity and universalism.
We believe that societal progress can only happen when freedom of speech, open discussion and the pursuit of truth are at its heart.
We oppose racism, reject racial essentialism, challenge identity politics and critique the notion of race itself.
We argue that people must take responsibility for their lives, families and communities and lead the way to a better future.
We accept that there are no ‘easy answers’ and so, we seek to delve deep into issues to find nuanced and meaningful solutions to complex social ills.
The Equiano Project is named after the 18th-century writer and abolitionist, Olaudah Equiano.
Olaudah Equiano was originally from the Eboe region of the Kingdom of Benin. However, enslaved as a child, he was taken to the Caribbean and sold as a slave to a Royal Navy officer.
He was sold twice more but purchased his freedom in 1766.
As a freedman in London, Equiano supported the British abolitionist movement. He was part of the Sons of Africa, an abolitionist group composed of Africans living in Britain.
We believe that Equiano’s story exemplifies the struggle for freedom and the demonstration of extraordinary bravery and moral fortitude, even in the face of profound adversity.
Coincidently, we have the same name as a 2006 project that was set up by The Equiano Society and Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery that celebrated the life of Olaudah Equiano. We are not affiliated with that project but we think it’s wonderful. To find out more about it and more about Olaudah Equiano, please click here.
Our Values
The content of your character, not the colour of your skin.
Compassion. Reason, intellectual ambition and curiosity.
Freedom of thought and speech.
Agency, moral independence and personal responsibility.
Inaya Folarin Iman is the Founder and Director of The Equiano Project.
She is a journalist, commentator and campaigner. She has written for The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Times, The Sun, The Spectator, Spiked and several other publications.
She is the Cultural Management and Youth Engagement Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery.
To find out why Inaya started The Equiano Project, click here.
Ada Akpala is the Senior Content Officer of The Equiano Project.
Ada Akpala is a writer, commentator, and content creator. She is particularly interested in subjects and narratives about race and identity. Once featured on BBC Radio 4's Analysis, she seeks to empower individuals by challenging victimhood and defeatist mentalities. She aims to uplift people and discourage divisive beliefs that undermine personal morale and fuel intergroup tensions.
Get in touch with her at ada@theequianoproject.com
Trustees
Inaya Folarin Iman
Inaya Folarin Iman is a broadcast journalist and social campaigner.
Katharine Birbalsingh
Katharine Birbalsingh is Headmistress and co-founder of Michaela Community School and Former Chair of the Social Mobility Commission.
Dr Marie Kawthar Daouda
Marie Daouda is a Lecturer in French at Oriel College, Oxford. She teaches both literature and language.
Oliver Wright
Oliver Wright is a retired international lawyer and philanthropist.