Who Is A Hero
Who Is A Hero
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2. George William Gordon (1820–1865)
Heroic Traits:
Integrity: Used his political influence to advocate for social justice despite personal
risks.
Selflessness: Sold his own land at low prices to help impoverished Jamaicans gain
economic independence.
Idealism: Believed in equality and worked tirelessly to improve conditions for the
oppressed.
Key Actions and Decisions:
1. Political Advocacy:
Urged people to protest unjust colonial conditions and supported Paul Bogle’s
rebellion, even though it endangered his life.
2. Economic Support:
Created a marketing system that allowed farmers to sell their produce at fair
prices, helping them achieve financial stability.
3. Execution and Legacy:
Arrested, falsely accused of treason, and executed in 1865 for supporting the
Morant Bay Rebellion, leaving a legacy of integrity and justice.
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4. Samuel Sharpe (1801–1832)
Heroic Traits:
Courage: Organized enslaved people in Jamaica’s largest slave rebellion, the Baptist
War (1831).
Perseverance: Advocated nonviolent resistance but remained steadfast when violence
erupted during the rebellion.
Sacrifice: Accepted execution rather than live under slavery, famously declaring, "I
would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery."
Key Actions and Decisions:
1. Planning the Baptist War Rebellion (1831):
Encouraged enslaved people to strike peacefully during Christmas as a protest
against slavery.
2. Martyrdom for Freedom's Cause:
Executed on May 23, 1832, but his actions hastened the abolition of slavery in
Jamaica.
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5. Queen Nanny of the Maroons
Heroic Traits:
Resilience: Defended her community against British forces using guerrilla warfare
tactics.
Leadership: United escaped slaves (Maroons) into a formidable force that secured
freedom from colonial rule.
Selflessness: Dedicated her life to preserving her people's independence.
Key Actions and Decisions:
1. Military Strategy Against British Forces:
Used her knowledge of terrain and guerrilla tactics to outsmart British troops
repeatedly.
2. Securing Maroon Autonomy:
Negotiated the Treaty of 1738 with the British, ensuring freedom for her
community.
3. Symbol of Resistance:
Her legacy endures as a symbol of defiance against oppression.
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6. Sir Alexander Bustamante (1884–1977)
Heroic Traits:
Compassion: Advocated for workers' rights during times of widespread poverty.
Integrity: Dedicated his life to improving conditions for Jamaica’s working class.
Leadership: Became Jamaica's first Prime Minister after independence in 1962.
Key Actions and Decisions:
1. Labor Movement Leadership:
Founded Jamaica’s first labor union and fought tirelessly for workers’ rights.
2. Political Milestones:
Played a pivotal role in leading Jamaica toward independence as leader of the
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
3. Legacy as First Prime Minister:
Championed policies that improved social welfare for Jamaicans post-
independence.
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7. Norman Washington Manley (1893–1969)
Heroic Traits:
Idealism: Advocated for universal suffrage and self-governance.
Determination: Worked tirelessly toward achieving Jamaican independence.
Leadership: Played a central role in drafting Jamaica’s constitution.
Key Actions and Decisions:
1. Political Advocacy for Independence:
Founded the People’s National Party (PNP) in 1938, which led Jamaica’s
nationalist movement.
2. Constitutional Reforms:
Instrumental in securing universal adult suffrage in 1944, laying the
foundation for democracy.
3. Role as Premier:
Guided Jamaica toward independence while fostering national unity.
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EXAMPLE
Presentation Summary:
Hero’s Name: Paul Bogle
Key Traits: Courage, leadership, sacrifice
Examples of Actions:
Led a march to Spanish Town advocating for fair treatment.
Organized the Morant Bay Rebellion against systemic oppression.
Accepted death as a consequence of standing up for justice.
Paul Bogle’s legacy as a National Hero of Jamaica continues to inspire movements
for equality and justice worldwide.