Who were the black poor in Sierra Leone?
They were termed London’s ‘Black Poor’, along with African-Americans who served the British Army in the American Revolution (Black Loyalists), living in London in difficult conditions. Although no reliable data exists, it seems that around 15,000 black people were living at the time in Britain.
Who is the true founder of Sierra Leone?
Utilizing some English government funding, The Committee for the Relief of the Black Poor, an abolitionist group which included Thomas Clarkson, William Wilberforce, and Granville Sharp, established the colony with the settlement of 411 London blacks on the Sierra Leone peninsula in what is now modern-day Freetown in …
What is Sierra Leone known for?
Sierra Leone also possesses substantial mineral resources, particularly iron ore, and has relied on mining for its economic base in recent years. In addition, the country is among the largest producers of titanium and bauxite, a major producer of gold, and in the top ten diamond-producing nations.
Why did the British take over Sierra Leone?
Britain had established a navy base in Freetown, banned its subjects from trading slaves, started using the Sierra Leone coast to resettle people freed from slave trading ships and brought Freetown (the pre-existing settlement of freed slaves) under Crown Government protection.
Where did the people of Sierra Leone come from?
Additionally, in 1792, nearly 1,200 Black Loyalists – who were given land in Nova Scotia, Canada, where they faced racial discrimination and harsh winters – crossed the Atlantic with official support by the Empire to build Sierra Leone’s second colony and the settlement of Freetown.
When did Sierra Leone become an independent country?
Sierra Leone retained a parliamentary system of government and was a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. In May 1962, Sierra Leone held its first general election as an independent nation. The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) won plurality of seats in parliament and Sir Milton Margai was re-elected…
When did the Maroons come to Sierra Leone?
A third group of freed slaves, the Maroons, travelled to the Sierra Leone colony from Jamaica in 1800. Finally, over 85,000 African receptives were forcibly relocated to Freetown by Royal Navy anti-slave trade patrols after the official British slavery abolition in 1808.
Who was the first Prime Minister of Sierra Leone?
On 27 April 1961, Sir Milton Margai led Sierra Leone to Independence from Britain and became the country’s first prime minister. Sierra Leone retained a parliamentary system of government and was a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. In May 1962, Sierra Leone held its first general election as an independent nation.