Olaudah Equiano was a famous British abolitionist and former slave ship captain. Born in present-day Nigeria, Equiano was kidnapped and sold into slavery at a young age. After gaining his freedom, he became a prominent advocate for the abolition of the slave trade in Britain. He published an autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," which detailed his life experiences and the horrors of slavery. His narrative played a crucial role in the abolition movement, raising public awareness about the realities of the slave trade and influencing legislation that eventually led to its abolition in Britain in 1807.