Born in 1701, Diallo was the son of a slave trader in present-day Senegal. As he grew older, he became deeply involved in his father’s business, selling slaves to European traders.
However, during one of his trading ventures, Diallo’s life took a dramatic turn. While transporting slaves for sale, he was captured, chained alongside the very people he intended to sell, and shipped to Maryland, USA.
In America, Diallo refused to accept his new status as a slave. Unlike many others, he could read and write Arabic, a skill he shared with many African Muslims of the time. Diallo used this skill to write a letter to his father back in Africa, pleading for his freedom.
When his master discovered the letter, he realised Diallo came from a royal family. This revelation led to Diallo being sent to England, where he regained his freedom. Eventually, Diallo returned to Africa.
He went back to trading slaves upon his return to Africa.