Edward Juba: from Enslavement to Freeman of Leicester

As part of the Elizabeth Heyrick Society’s celebration of Black History Month, this week, we spotlight the remarkable story of Edward Juba, one of Leicester’s most significant yet lesser-known historical figures. His life, which saw him rise from enslavement to becoming a respected Freeman of Leicester, mirrors the social activism of Elizabeth Heyrick, a local woman who defied the societal constraints of her time to lead the fight for the abolition of slavery. Though their paths were different, both Juba and Heyrick challenged the status quo, leaving an indelible mark on Leicester’s abolitionist heritage.

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Edward Juba: from enslavement to Freeman of Leicester

The life of Edward Juba is a remarkable story of perseverance and social mobility, set against the backdrop of 18th-century England. His journey, from being enslaved to becoming the first Black Freeman of Leicester, serves as an enduring symbol of resilience and human dignity in a time when both were denied to many.

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Early life and arrival in England

Born around 1724, likely in what is now South Sudan, Edward Juba’s early years were shaped by displacement. It is believed he was brought to England as a child, where he entered the service of Lord Wentworth at Kirkby Mallory, a village in Leicestershire​. His baptism at the age of ten in 1734 signalled his first step toward integration into British society, a rarity for someone of African descent in that era.

Though much of Juba’s early life remains obscure, records from the time suggest that he was held in high regard by his employers. His apprenticeship in 1747 demonstrates that he gained skills and training, marking a move beyond mere servitude, a transition that would have been extraordinary for a former slave during the 18th century​.

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Family and life in Leicester

Shortly after his apprenticeship, Juba married Anne Mugglestone, a local woman, in 1747. The couple moved to Leicester in 1754 where they built their lives and raised their family. By all accounts, Juba had successfully integrated into the local community, an achievement underscored by the fact that in 1768 he became the first Black man to be made a Freeman of Leicester.

Becoming a Freeman of the Borough was a significant milestone. It granted Juba certain privileges, such as the right to vote in municipal elections and conduct business independently. More importantly, it represented formal recognition of his status as a respected member of society, a stark contrast to the experiences of most Black people in Britain at the time. Juba’s rise from enslavement to freeman not only challenged prevailing racial hierarchies but also demonstrated the possibility of personal and social mobility for Black individuals in 18th-century England​.

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Edward Juba and Elizabeth Heyrick: beacons of hope for future generations 

Though Juba’s story took place decades before the height of the abolitionist movement, his journey in Leicester laid the groundwork for later reformers like Elizabeth Heyrick. Elizabeth Heyrick, a key abolitionist from Leicester, began her activist journey over half a century after Juba became a freeman. In her time, she defied societal norms, not as a person of African descent, but as a woman in a male-dominated society. Heyrick's fierce advocacy for the immediate abolition of slavery challenged the gradualist approach of prominent figures like William Wilberforce. Through pamphlets like Immediate, Not Gradual Abolition (1824), she led the charge for radical change​

Both Juba and Elizabeth Heyrick were locals of Leicester, and despite their different circumstances, they shared a common trait: a quiet yet powerful defiance of the status quo. Juba, by achieving respectability and social status as a Black man in 18th-century England, and Heyrick, by leading the charge for the abolition of slavery in a time when women were largely excluded from public life. Together, their stories reflect Leicester’s long tradition of challenging injustice.

A lasting legacy 

Edward Juba’s story of transformation from enslavement to respected Freeman is not only a testament to his resilience but also to the social fabric of Leicester, a city that, even then, had pockets of openness to change. His life echoes the broader fight for freedom and equality, a cause that would later be championed by abolitionists like Elizabeth Heyrick​.

Today, Juba’s legacy continues to inspire. His rise from slavery highlights the potential for individuals to break through deeply entrenched societal barriers. In a world still grappling with issues of racial inequality and social injustice, Juba’s story stands as a beacon of hope, showing that change is possible even under the most challenging conditions. Similarly, Heyrick’s unwavering demand for immediate abolition remains an enduring example for those who reject incremental change when urgent action is essential. Her bold approach continues to inspire movements that advocate for swift and decisive justice.

Edward Juba’s life may have started in servitude, but through determination, he built a life of respect and recognition, leaving an enduring mark on Leicester’s history. His legacy, alongside that of Elizabeth Heyrick, reminds us that the fight for freedom and justice is both personal and communal and that local heroes can make a global impact.

In honour of Elizabeth Heyrick’s pivotal role in the abolitionist movement, the Elizabeth Heyrick Society is currently campaigning to establish a permanent statue of her in Leicester. This statue will not only serve as a tribute to her courage and determination but will also stand as a symbol of the city’s enduring commitment to social justice. We invite you to join us in celebrating Elizabeth Heyrick’s legacy by supporting the cause.