Why is Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa the African sometimes referred to as the first African?

Olaudah Equiano, also known as Gustavus Vassa, is often referred to as the first African because of his significant role in the abolitionist movement and his autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," published in 1789. His writings provided a powerful firsthand account of the experiences of enslaved Africans, which helped raise awareness about the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade. Equiano's narrative not only highlighted the plight of Africans but also positioned him as a prominent voice advocating for freedom and human rights, making him a pivotal figure in the history of African activism.