Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, also known as “Harry” Samuel, was a man who defied the odds and made history. Born on March 1, 1912, in Lagos, Nigeria, he grew up to become a soldier, a lawyer, and a human rights advocate. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice throughout his life, he persevered and made a significant impact on the world. In this blog post, we will explore the remarkable story of this forgotten hero, highlighting his early life, his military service, his legal career, and his legacy.
Early Life and Education
Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel was born to a Nigerian father and a German mother. His father, John Samuel, was a prominent lawyer, while his mother, Margarete Lindemann, was a nurse. As a child, Harry Samuel attended the prestigious CMS Grammar School in Lagos, where he excelled academically and athletically. He was also an active member of the school’s literary and debating societies.
Military Service
In 1932, Harry Samuel joined the British colonial army as a private. He was one of the few black officers in the army and rose through the ranks to become a captain. He served in India, East Africa, and the Middle East during World War II. During his military service, Harry Samuel experienced racism and discrimination firsthand. Despite this, he remained committed to his duty and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in battle.
Legal Career
After leaving the army in 1947, Harry Samuel studied law at King’s College London. He was called to the bar in 1952 and became the first black person to practice law in England. He was also one of the first black lawyers to practice in Nigeria. Throughout his legal career, Harry Samuel fought for the rights of black people and minorities. He was a founding member of the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination and was instrumental in the passing of the Race Relations Act of 1965.
Legacy
Despite his many achievements, Harry Samuel’s legacy has been largely forgotten. This is due, in part, to the fact that he lived in a time when black people and minorities were not given the recognition they deserved. However, his impact on the world cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of black lawyers and civil rights activists. He also served as an inspiration to many people around the world who face discrimination and prejudice.
Conclusion
Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel was a remarkable man who overcame adversity to achieve great things. His life is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his life, he remained committed to his values and fought for justice and equality. Today, we honor his legacy and remember him as a forgotten hero who made a significant impact on the world.
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