Joomla! site syndication http://www.shadesofblack.net Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:43:07 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.shadesofblack.net/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.shadesofblack.net Joomla! site syndication http://www.shadesofblack.net/index.php/History/historical-heroes.html For a long time we were left to find out for ourselves about the famous blacks in history because we aren't taught it in school. Now with the help of Black History Month in October of every year we have access to information that maps the course of our history through the ages. Black people can be remembered for other things aside from slavery. 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 acknowledgment, in the National Heroes Park in Kingston where they are viewed with inspiring pride, unforgettable symbols of Jamaica’s enduring strength.Sir Alexander Bustmante1884-1977Alexander Bustamante was an aggressive, outspoken young man who understood the dynamics of labour relations. A charismatic and impressive speaker, he used the media to criticise the prevailing political system and its attendant social problems. He started the Industrial Trade Union in 1938 and was jailed for 17 months following labour riots. He became Jamaica’s first Chief Minister, a position he held until 1954, being knighted that same year by the queen. On August 6, 1962 Jamaica was granted full independence. At the first session of Parliament, Bustamante received the Instruments of Independence from the queen’s representative, Princess Margaret. This time in Jamaica’s history drastic changes were heralded, not by bloodshed but by peaceful negotiations.George William Gordon 1820-1865.George William Gordon was a free black land owner and an associate of Bogle. As a member of the House of Parliament, he used his position to highlight the sufferings of the people and to make a plea for changes. The Morant Bay Rebellion and the resultant deaths of Bogle and Gordon precipitated the beginning of a new era in Jamaica’s development. The British government became compelled to make changes including outstanding reforms in education, health, local government, banking and infrastructure.Nanny Nanny lived and died in Nanny Town.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 Asante warrior who used militarist techniques to foul and beguile the English. Like the heroes of the pre Independence era, Nanny met her untimely death at the instigation of the English sometime around 1734. Yet, the spirit of Nanny of the Maroons remains today as a symbol of that indomitable desire that will never yield to captivity. Learn - History Fri, 05 Mar 1999 01:00:00 +0100