Black in the Caribbean

History of Saint Lucia – From colonisation to independence

Where is Saint Lucia? Saint Lucia is an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is the second largest of the Windward group. Castries is the capital city. Saint Lucia was first known as “Louanalao” by …

Maurice Bishop: A revolutionary leader in Grenada’s history

Maurice Bishop, born on 29 May 1944 in Aruba to Grenadian parents, was a charismatic leader whose life and political career left an indelible mark on the history of Grenada. Educated in Britain, …

Flore Bois Gaillard – Saint Lucian revolutionary

Flore Bois Gaillard was a St Lucian runaway slave who led a band of free slaves called ‘Armée Française Dans Les Bois (French Army in the Woods). The life of Flore Bois Gaillard Flore Bois …

Marie Sainte Dédée Bazile – Haitian revolutionary

Marie Sainte Dédée Bazile is notable as part of the Haitian Revolution. While there is much written about the men of the Haitian Revolution, not much is known or written about the women who helped to …

History of Grenada – From colonisation to independence

Grenada is one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Known as the Spice island, it is the world’s second-largest producer of nutmeg after Indonesia and is a …

History of Haiti – From revolution to civil unrest

Where is Haiti? Haiti is in the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the …

How Haiti won its independence

On 5 December 1492, European navigator Christopher Columbus came upon an island in the Caribbean that he claimed for Spain and called La Isla Española (“The Spanish Island”, later Anglicised as …

Samuel Sharpe and the 1831 Christmas Rebellion

Samuel Sharpe instigates a rebellion On 27 December 1831, the Christmas Rebellion began at the Kensington Estate in St James, Jamaica. Samuel Sharpe was the main instigator of the 1831 Slave …

History of Saint Kitts and Nevis

‍The history of Saint Kitts and Nevis is intertwined with the colonisation efforts of the British and French in the Caribbean. These islands, known for their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, …

Una Marson: Trailblazing Jamaican poet and feminist icon

In the annals of Jamaican history, Una Marson’s name shines as a luminary—a poet, playwright, feminist, and relentless advocate whose profound contributions continue to inspire and resonate …

Moko Jumbies: The enigmatic stilt walkers of the Caribbean

In the culturally rich Caribbean islands, people often see fascinating dancers on stilts at carnivals and festivals. These extraordinary figures, called Moko Jumbi or Mocko Jumbie, are captivating …

The vibrant tradition of Junkanoo: A celebration of culture and resistance

‍Junkanoo, a lively festival celebrated in the Caribbean, is a vibrant display of music, dance, and costumes. It has a rich history dating back to the era of slavery and has deep cultural significance …

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