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Bärbel Sunderbrink, 2024

Around twelve million African people were deported from the 16th century onwards, mainly to the Caribbean, Brazil and the southern states of the USA were subjected to forced labour on the plantations. However, enslaved people were also brought to Europe. People of African origin, including children and young people, were regarded as status symbols by aristocratic houses and wealthy citizens. At least 380 Black people lived in German-speaking countries between 1600 and 1800.

The story of an enslaved person is rarely so well documented as that of Yonga. He came from West Africa and was bought by a German in London in 1765 when he was about 14 years old. In 1789, he came to the court of Prince zur Lippe in Detmold as a body servant and was able to live there as a free man. He attempted to legally come to terms with his enslavement in an unprecedented lawsuit against his former ‘master’. Yonga's main demand was for back pay, but the trial also dealt with the fundamental question of a person's right to freedom.

Stationen

Yonga's origins from the ‘Gold Coast’ in West Africa

Via the Caribbean to England

“Sold” in London

Baptism in the Westphalian province

Personal servant against his will

From enslaved to prince's servant

Wage and freedom litigation

Yonga's wife and family

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