New Swedish Exhibit Will Reclaim Of Legacy 18th Century Black Diarist Through His Own Words

An under-researched historic Black diarist will get his own shine in a new Swedish exhibit. The National Museum in Stockholm will explore the life of Adolf Ludvig Gustav Fredrik Albrecht Couschi, also historically known as Badin, particularly through the writings he left behind. The exhibit, titled “Badin – Beyond Surface and Mask,” will not only examine his controversial remembrance in Swedish history, but also his own perception of his livelihood. Badin arrived at the Swedish Royal Court in 1760. According to The Guardian , he appeared before the royals as a “gift” to Queen Louisa Ulrika. He was granted the name Badin, a French word for “joke” or “prankster,” as he rose through the ranks of civil society. Before entering Sweden, historians believe Badin began his life as an enslaved person. He “belonged” to various noblemen across Europe before landing in the country. Badin documented his life through his diary entries and an autobiography on his life throughout Swedish society. As he became more immersed in the country’s noble circles, he held new titles including chamberlain, court secretary, ballet master, and civil servant. While historians slighted his memory, Badin will receive an, what many feel as overdue spotlight at the museum. Although not an unknown figure in Swedish history, famous works offered a surface-level, if not outright racist, depiction of the famed Black Swede. However, a fellow Black S…