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Unveiling the Hidden Legacies of the Transatlantic Slave Trade: The Diary of Antera Duke, an Eighteenth Century African Slave Trader

Doug Price

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In the annals of history, the transatlantic slave trade remains a profound and tragic chapter that has left an indelible mark on human civilization. While countless books and documentaries have shed light on the horrors endured by enslaved Africans, the perspectives of those who participated in this abhorrent trade have often been obscured.

The Diary of Antera Duke, an Eighteenth-Century African Slave Trader

by David Northrup

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3096 KB
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Print length	:	312 pages
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Now, a remarkable discovery brings to light a chilling and poignant account: the diary of Antera Duke, an African slave trader who operated in the mid-18th century. Discovered in a private collection in Ghana, Duke's diary provides an invaluable firsthand account of the complexities, brutality, and humanity that intertwined within the slave trade.

A Complex and Controversial Figure

Antera Duke was born around 1710 in the Kingdom of Fetu, located in present-day Ghana. He belonged to an influential family of merchants and became involved in the slave trade at a young age. As a slave trader, Duke was responsible for acquiring enslaved Africans from local chiefs and transporting them to slave forts along the coast.

Duke's diary reveals that he was a shrewd and successful businessman, amassing a significant fortune through the sale of enslaved people. However, his involvement in the slave trade also exposed him to the horrors of the system. He witnessed firsthand the brutal treatment of enslaved Africans, and his writings reveal a deep awareness of the suffering he was complicit in.

A Window into the Human Experience

Despite his role in the slave trade, Duke's diary paints a complex portrait of a man grappling with the moral implications of his actions. His entries are filled with moments of remorse, regret, and self-reflection, suggesting a conflicted inner life.

In one particularly poignant passage, Duke laments the separation of families and the loss of life that occurred during the slave trade. He writes:

"Oh, the horrors I have seen! I have witnessed the tearing apart of families, the cries of mothers and children, the despair in the eyes of those who are forced to leave their homes. I cannot escape the guilt that weighs upon my soul."

Duke's diary also sheds light on the economic and political forces that fueled the transatlantic slave trade. He describes the alliances and rivalries between European traders and African rulers, as well as the role of greed and power in perpetuating the system.

Historical Significance and Impact

The discovery of Antera Duke's diary is a major breakthrough in our understanding of the transatlantic slave trade. It provides a unique and invaluable perspective from an insider's point of view, and it challenges the simplistic narratives that have often dominated discussions about this period.

Duke's diary has already sparked significant interest among historians and scholars. Its publication will undoubtedly ignite new debates and shed light on the complex realities of the transatlantic slave trade. It will also serve as a powerful reminder of the human suffering that occurred during this dark chapter in history.

The diary of Antera Duke is an extraordinary document that offers a rare and deeply personal account of the transatlantic slave trade. Through Duke's words, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities, horrors, and humanity that intertwined within this abhorrent system. His diary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting the legacies of slavery and working towards justice and reconciliation.

As we continue to grapple with the enduring effects of the transatlantic slave trade, Antera Duke's diary challenges us to question our own complicity in systems of oppression and to strive for a more just and equitable world.

The Diary of Antera Duke, an Eighteenth-Century African Slave Trader

by David Northrup

5 out of 5