Day 28: Ignatius Sancho - The First Black Briton to Vote

Hey Family,

Today, we're stepping back to the 18th century to meet Ignatius Sancho, a man who made political history and challenged the racial prejudices of his time.

Born on a slave ship in 1729, Sancho's early life was marked by tragedy. Orphaned as a toddler, he was brought to England and given to three sisters in Greenwich. But Sancho was determined to shape his own destiny, and his journey from slavery to becoming the first Black Briton known to have voted in a British election is nothing short of remarkable.

Key points about Ignatius Sancho:

• Early life: Born on a slave ship, orphaned young, and brought to England as a slave.

• Education: With the help of the Duke of Montagu, Sancho gained access to books and learning, defying expectations for a Black man of his time.

• Career: Became a shopkeeper, a writer, and a composer, engaging with the intellectual circles of London.

• Political engagement: In 1774, Sancho became the first Black Briton known to have voted in a British election.

• Literary contributions: His letters, published posthumously, provided insights into the life of a Black man in 18th-century Britain and spoke out against slavery.

What makes Sancho's story so significant is that he exercised his right to vote at a time when the vast majority of Black people in the British Empire were enslaved and had no political rights. His ability to vote was based on his status as a male property owner, highlighting the complex intersections of race and class in 18th-century Britain.

Sancho used his voice not just at the ballot box, but also through his writing. He corresponded with influential figures, including the novelist Laurence Sterne, speaking out against slavery and the injustices faced by Black people.

It's important to note that while Sancho achieved a level of social mobility unusual for a Black man of his time, his life was still shaped by the racism of 18th-century British society. His letters provide a nuanced perspective on the complexities of Black life in Georgian London.

As we reflect on Ignatius Sancho's life, consider these questions:

• How does Sancho's story challenge our understanding of Black presence and participation in 18th-century British society?

• What does Sancho's ability to vote tell us about the relationship between property, citizenship, and race in Georgian Britain?

• How can we use Sancho's legacy to inform current discussions about political representation and participation?

Ignatius Sancho's life reminds us of the long history of Black political engagement in Britain. He showed that even in the face of overwhelming odds, it's possible to make your voice heard and create change.

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments. How do you think Sancho's actions paved the way for future generations of Black Britons in politics?

Blessings,

KK