The Ashanti woman from Ghana who ended up as a freedom fighter and hero in Jamaica
In 1975, the Jamaican government officially recognized Queen Nanny as a national heroine, conferring upon her the prestigious title of “Right Excellent” in acknowledgment of her extraordinary contributions to the fight against slavery and the establishment of a resilient Maroon community in Jamaica. Her legacy stands as a testament to her leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to freedom.
Queen Nanny, born around the late 17th century in the Ashanti tribe of Ghana, West Africa, was forcibly enslaved and transported to Jamaica during a period when the transatlantic slave trade fueled the brutal exploitation of African peoples in the Americas. The Ashanti, known for their rich cultural heritage and military prowess, likely influenced Nanny’s later leadership style. In Jamaica, she became a pivotal figure among the Maroons—enslaved Africans who escaped from plantations to form independent settlements, defying colonial oppression. These communities, often hidden in remote areas, became symbols of resistance against the dehumanizing institution of slavery.
Along with her four brothers—Accompong, Cudjoe, Johnny, and Quao—and other enslaved individuals, Nanny escaped the harsh conditions of the plantations, seeking refuge in the dense, rugged terrain of Jamaica’s mountains and jungles. This escape was no small feat, as it required immense bravery and resourcefulness to evade recapture by colonial forces. In the Blue Mountains on the eastern side of Jamaica, Nanny established a settlement that came to be known as Nanny Town, a stronghold of Maroon resistance. The village’s strategic location, nestled in the steep, forested highlands, provided natural defenses against British attacks, making it a sanctuary for those seeking freedom.
By 1720, Nanny had risen to prominence as the leader of Nanny Town. Her leadership was multifaceted, combining military strategy, spiritual guidance, and community organization. She trained her Maroon warriors in the art of guerrilla warfare, employing tactics such as ambushes and hit-and-run assaults that leveraged the terrain’s natural advantages. These strategies proved effective against the better-equipped British forces, who struggled to navigate the unfamiliar jungle landscape. Nanny’s knowledge of traditional African healing practices, likely rooted in Ashanti traditions, further solidified her role as a spiritual leader. She was revered not only as a military commander but also as a healer and cultural anchor for her people, fostering a sense of unity and resilience in Nanny Town.
Under Nanny’s leadership, Nanny Town thrived as a self-sustaining community. Its isolation from European settlements allowed the Maroons to cultivate crops, maintain their African cultural practices, and build a society free from the chains of slavery. Over three decades, Nanny played a central role in liberating more than 1,000 enslaved individuals, orchestrating daring raids on plantations to free captives and guide them to the safety of the Maroon settlements. Her efforts significantly bolstered the Maroon population, creating a formidable force that challenged the colonial system.
The growing strength of the Maroons alarmed the British colonial administration and plantation owners, who faced increasing losses of enslaved labor and crops due to Maroon raids. In response, the British launched repeated military campaigns to suppress the Maroon communities. These conflicts, known as the First Maroon War (1720–1739), were marked by intense and bloody confrontations. In 1733, during one such battle, Queen Nanny was reportedly killed, a devastating blow to the Maroon cause. Despite her death, her legacy of resistance endured, inspiring her people to continue the fight.
The war persisted until 1739, when Nanny’s brother Cudjoe, a prominent Maroon leader, negotiated a peace treaty with the British. This treaty granted the Maroons 500 acres of land to establish New Nanny Town, ensuring their autonomy and security. In exchange, the Maroons agreed to cease attacks on plantations and assist in capturing runaway slaves, a controversial condition that reflected the complex dynamics of survival under colonial pressure. The original Nanny Town, however, was captured and destroyed by British forces, erasing the physical site of Nanny’s remarkable achievements but not her enduring influence.
Queen Nanny remains a towering figure in Jamaican history, celebrated as the only woman among the nation’s seven National Heroes. Her fearless resistance to slavery, her leadership in building a free community, and her role in protecting and empowering the Black community have cemented her status as an icon of liberation. Her image graces the Jamaican $500 note, a fitting tribute to her contributions to the nation’s identity. Additionally, her legacy is honored in the logo of the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition at Yale University, which recognizes her as a global symbol of resistance against oppression.
Beyond her historical achievements, Queen Nanny’s story resonates as a powerful narrative of defiance and resilience. Oral traditions among the Maroons attribute near-mythical qualities to her, with some accounts suggesting she possessed extraordinary abilities, such as catching bullets or using spiritual powers to protect her people. While these stories may blend fact and legend, they underscore the profound impact Nanny had on her community and the enduring reverence for her leadership. Today, she continues to inspire movements for justice and equality, serving as a reminder of the strength and determination of those who fought for freedom against overwhelming odds.