Ayuba Suleiman Diallo
(Job ben Solomon)
(1701-1773)

A Chance Meeting Led to His Freedom

Born in Bundu, Senegal, into a family of Muslim clerics, Ayuba Suleiman Diallo, also known as Job ben Solomon, was enslaved around 1730, and sent to Annapolis, Maryland USA, by way of Saint James (Kunte Kinte) Island. A chance meeting with a lawyer, who was impressed with his knowledge of Arabic, led to a series of events that landed him in England.

In England, he mixed with high society, was bought out of slavery by public subscription, was inducted into the Gentleman's Society of Spalding, and wrote his memoirs. For anti-slavery advocates, he served as a talking point in their discussions.

In 1733, William Hoare of Bath painted his portrait, which now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in London. Diallo sailed to Saint James Island, Gambia in 1734, and eventually returned to Bundu.  He had two wives and several children.

The Port Of Harlem Gambian Education Partnership provided this panel to educate people in the Gambia and the United States about each other. America’s Islamic Heritage Museum provided research support. Original pencil drawing by William Hasenbuhler.