One of Jamaica’s National Heroes, George William Gordon was born to a slave mother and a planter father who was attorney to several sugar estates in Jamaica. Seeing that his son George had special characteristics, Joseph Gordon decided to take an interest in his education from an early age. George went to live with his …
Nanny of the Maroons
Often referred to as Queen Nanny, Nanny of the Maroons stands out in history as the only female among Jamaica’s National Heroes. She possessed that fierce fighting spirit generally associated with the courage of men. In fact, Nanny is described as a fearless Ashanti warrior who used militarist techniques to foul and beguile the English. …
Samuel Sharpe
1801-1832 Samuel Sharpe is one of Jamaica’s National Heroes. He was the main instigator of the 1831 Slave Rebellion, which began on the Kensington Estate in St James, Jamaica and which was largely instrumental in bringing about the abolition of slavery. Because of his intelligence and leadership qualities, Sam Sharpe became a “daddy”, or leader …
Norman Washington Manley
1893-1969 Norman Washington Manley is one of Jamaica’s National heroes. Born in Roxborough, Manchester, on 4 July 1893, he was the son of Margaret and Thomas Albert Manley who were both mixed race. He was well educated, attending high school, before going to Jamaica College. He made headlines as an outstanding athlete, as well as …
Marcus Mosiah Garvey – 1887-1940
As one of Jamaica’ National Heroes, Marcus Mosiah Garvey stands out in history as one who was greatly committed to the concept of the Emancipation of minds. Garvey who was born in St. Ann, Jamaica became famous worldwide as a leader who was courageous and eloquent in his call for improvement for Blacks. He sought …
Paul Bogle
Paul Bogle is one of Jamaica’s National Heroes. It is believed he was born free about 1822. Bogle was a Baptist deacon in Stony Gut, a few miles north of Morant Bay, and was eligible to vote at a time when there were only 104 voters in the parish of St. Thomas. He was a …
Jamaica’s National Heroes
Jamaica’s National Heroes dared to challenge the institution of colonialism and in so doing changed the course of Jamaica’s history giving social and political freedom to its people. Today, the statues of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes stand in proud acknowledgement, in the National Heroes Park in Kingston where they are viewed with inspiring pride, unforgettable …