From Enslaved to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of George Africanus
Dr Berrisford Lewis
Helping Entrepreneurs Attract Their Perfect Clients And Double Their Profits. Mentor, Coach, Author & Speaker.
Today, while guiding a group of international business students through their ideas for business creation, one student shared his vision of starting a recruitment agency for students. It was a promising concept, but what struck me later that evening was the serendipity of discovering a similar story—one rooted in both history and triumph.
As I browsed the web, I came across the remarkable legacy of George Africanus (1763 – 1834), a name that should resonate during Black History Month and beyond. George was brought to England as a slave from Sierra Leone. Yet, his journey was far from over. Freed from the chains of oppression, he didn’t just survive—he thrived. After apprenticing as a brass founder, George went on to establish his own employment agency in Britain, the ‘Africanus Register of Servants.’ Imagine that—over two centuries ago, a Black entrepreneur was already helping people find work and build their futures.
What’s more, George’s agency didn’t just disappear after his death in 1834. His wife continued to run the business, which flourished for 60 years, a testament to their shared vision of empowerment and resilience.
领英推荐
George’s story has deeply inspired me, not only because of the obvious connection to my student's recruitment business idea but also because it’s a reminder that entrepreneurship and leadership can emerge from the most challenging circumstances.
So, as we celebrate Black History Month, let George Africanus remind us that no matter where you start, you can chart your own course and leave a lasting impact.
Today, I encourage you to reflect on George's legacy. What obstacles are holding you back from your dreams? And how can you channel your challenges into opportunities for success? Let George's story serve as a beacon: you, too, can build something that outlasts your lifetime. Join me in sharing stories of Black excellence this month—because our history fuels the future.
#Bradford#westyorkshire#India#Businessgrowthstrategies#Businessgrowth#strategy.