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Facts About Jamaicas National Heroes

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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Our national heroes were major players in us being able to experience the Jamaica we have today. They, in more ways than one, fought the greatest of fights for us, did the groundwork and blessed us with the rich, triumphant history that we have today.

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So here is a quick, mini breakdown of our national heroes and how they contributed to our today.

1. Nanny of the Maroons – The Warrior Queen

First and Only Female National Heroine: Nanny is the only woman among Jamaica’s national heroes. Known as a fearless Asante warrior from Ghana, she was a military genius who used clever tactics to outwit British soldiers.
Leader of Nanny Town: She led the Maroons, escaped African slaves who formed independent communities in the hills of Portland. Nanny Town, named after her, became a symbol of resistance.
Legend of Supernatural Powers: Folklore says Nanny had mystical powers, such as catching bullets with her hands. Whether fact or fiction, her spirit embodies Jamaica’s enduring fight for freedom.

2. Samuel "Sam" Sharpe – The Freedom Fighter

Nickname: ‘Daddy Sharpe’: Sam Sharpe, a deacon of Burchell Baptist Church in Montego Bay, was affectionately called "Daddy" by his followers.
Leader of the Christmas Rebellion (1831): Sharpe believed that freedom should not be delayed. His rebellion began at the Kensington Estate in St. James, aiming to end slavery across Jamaica.
The Spark for Abolition: Though the rebellion was suppressed, it led to the abolition of slavery just two years later. Today, Montego Bay honours his legacy at Sam Sharpe Square.

3. Paul Bogle – The Justice Seeker

Organizer of the Morant Bay Rebellion (1865): Paul Bogle, a Baptist deacon in Stony Gut, St. Thomas, was a peaceful man who turned to action when justice for the poor was denied. His leadership during the rebellion challenged colonial oppression.
Bogle's Legacy Lives On: After the rebellion, Bogle was captured and executed, but his fight for justice brought significant reforms in Jamaican education and local government.

4. George William Gordon – Advocate for the Oppressed

Self-Educated Businessman: Gordon, the son of a planter and an enslaved woman, became a successful businessman and landowner despite facing racial prejudice.
Champion for the Poor: He used his platform in the Jamaican Assembly to advocate for social reforms. His connection with Paul Bogle's movement led to his arrest and execution, though he was innocent of any crime.
Reforms Triggered by His Death: Gordon’s unjust execution helped spark vital reforms in Jamaica, marking a turning point in the island's history.

5. Marcus Garvey – The Visionary Leader

Founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA): Garvey’s movement for Black empowerment and unity extended far beyond Jamaica, influencing civil rights movements worldwide.
Advocate for Economic Independence: He encouraged economic self-sufficiency, famously saying, “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.” Bob Marley later immortalized this phrase in his song Redemption Song.
A Global Influence: Though Garvey never won a seat in Jamaica’s legislature, his impact as a Black nationalist continues to inspire people across the globe.

6. Norman Washington Manley – The Nation Builder

Founder of the People's National Party (PNP): Norman Manley, a brilliant scholar and athlete, cofounded the PNP, which played a key role in securing Jamaica’s independence.
First Chief Minister: In 1955, Manley became Chief Minister of Jamaica, laying the foundation for political reforms that led to full adult suffrage and self-governance.

7. Sir Alexander Bustamante – The Labor Leader

Jamaica’s First Prime Minister (1962): Bustamante led Jamaica to independence and became the island’s first Prime Minister.
Labor Rights Advocate: In 1938, he founded the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) and fought tirelessly for workers' rights. His bold actions even landed him in prison during labour riots.
A National Monument: The house where he was born in Blenheim, Hanover, is now a preserved National Monument, commemorating his contributions to Jamaica’s independence.

Our national heroes are more than just figures in our history books, they are symbols of courage, justice, and resilience. Through their fight and struggles, we are able to experience freedom and progress as a nation.

References & Sources For Facts About Jamaicas National Heroes

fast_facts_national_heroes. (n.d.). http://www.jnht.com/fast_facts_national_heroes.php

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Facts About Jamaicas National Heroes

1. Nanny of the Maroons – The Warrior Queen