Key Facts - Black History - Year 2

Mary's life is a testament to resilience and courage in the face of inhumanity. Born into the shackles of slavery in Bermuda, she defied the constraints of her situation by learning to read and write—an extraordinary achievement for an enslaved person at the time. Her life took a dramatic turn in 1826 when she married a free man, a union that led to a brutal punishment from her owners. Two years later, in 1828, Mary accompanied her owners to England, where she seized the opportunity to escape, finding freedom in a land where slavery had been outlawed. However, the bittersweet taste of her liberty was marked by separation from her husband, whom she could not return to due to her status.

Undeterred by her personal struggles, Mary channelled her experiences into a force for change. She became an impassioned campaigner for the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire, understanding that her voice could shine a light on the darkness of slavery. In 1831, she published her autobiography, 'The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave, Related by Herself', which laid bare the cruel treatment of slaves. Through her vivid recounting, she offered the world a glimpse into the true horrors of slavery, contributing significantly to the abolitionist movement. Mary Prince remains a symbol of the strength and impact individuals can have in the fight for justice and human rights.