African Institution

The African Institution was founded in 1807 after British abolitionists succeeded in ending the slave trade based in the United Kingdom.

Where the Sierra Leone Company sought first to convert the native population through evangelism, the African Institution aimed to improve the standard of living in Freetown first.

[3] The Duke of Gloucester, nephew of King George III, acted as the Institution's first president, and was joined by clergymen and aristocrats.

[8] On 7 April 1811 Cuffe met with the foremost black merchants of the colony, including the successful John Kizell.

[16] The seventh annual report had noted a deterioration of conditions in Sierra Leone, yet had made upbeat comments about all involved.

Concerned parties—William Allen and John Clarkson—expressed disquiet, while Thorpe made unmeasured criticisms, pamphleteering and targeting Zachary Macaulay.

The outcome was that Thomas Perronet Thompson, governor in Sierra Leone and at odds with leading evangelicals, who had already been removed in 1810, was roundly criticised.

The New Union: Club, Being a Representation of what took place at a celebrated Dinner, given by a celebrated – society , a racist print of 1819 by George Cruikshank . It portrays a dinner at the African Institution, stereotyping the black people present. Billy Waters , a Black London street entertainer, amuses the crowds. White abolitionists William Wilberforce , George Stephen , Zachary Macaulay and Robert Wedderburn are present at the event.
1732 map of Sierra Leone and the coast of Guinea