Reconstructing the Black Image: Section 2. Black Warriors: Resisting and Assisting

In Jamaica, runaway slaves were called Maroons. At one stage they were led by a woman called Nanny, ... now considered one of the greatest planners of raids and ambushes...they often defeated the British soldiers sent against them. Eventually Britain was forced to sign a treaty which gave the Maroons a free state within the colony.

He was an enslaved man who learned to read and was baptized as a Christian. "He later bought his freedom from his master, wrote a book about his experiences as a slave and helped in the campaign for the abolition of slavery in England."

He "led the only successful rebellion of Black Slaves in the New World when he liberated Haiti from the French."

There are paintings from the 11th - 15th Centuries depicting black men fighting in the crusades.

Taken from a 15th century painting by Mantegna (now on display at Hampton Court), this black soldier is very much part of the Roman army.

Sent as an emissary by her brother to arrange a treaty with the Portuguese in 1622. She refused to pay tribute to the King of Portugal or accept him as her overlord. She became Queen after her brother's death and continued to resist the occupation of her land, even becoming Christian and appealing to the Pope for independent recognition.