Who is Afi from Copper Sun and what is their importance?

Afi is the older slave woman who takes Amari under her wing at Cape Coast, where the slaves are held before being crammed into the slave ship. Afi has been on Cape Coast for a few months longer than Amari, so she knows what to expect. The only reason why Afi wasn't sent to America with the last bunch of slaves is because one of the generals chose her to act as his consort each night. Because of this experience, Afi is able to emotional prepare Amari, as best she can, of what life for a slave woman truly is like. Aboard the slave ship, Afi becomes like a mother to Amari, taking care of her after each rape and ensuring that she has enough food. At the slave auction, however, the two women are separated and Amari never sees Afi again.