The New Brittania, which sailed in 1773, was like any other slave ship. Its crew packed its storage with spices, sugar – and hundreds of enslaved Africans.
For the enslaved, life was nothing short of pure Hell. And they refused to put up with it.
The enslaved were already suffering from the experience of being packed into a ship like cargo. But this group was known for their bravery and willingness to sacrifice their lives for a higher purpose.
But what bravery or sacrifice could they show when they were in bondage?
Showing their creativity and intelligence, the smaller enslaved children sneaked tools to the enslaved men below. Then they escaped, rose up, and fought back, struggling with the captain and crew!
When it became clear the enslavers would win, they decided it would be better to die than to live in Hell! So that’s exactly what they did.
They set fire to the gunpowder stores, blowing the New Brittania to smithereens and taking the enslavers with them! This act of rebellion was one of many of our people choosing death over enslavement.
The New Brittania was just one of many slave ships that our people attempted to escape. Their courage and dignity in choosing liberation by ANY means – even including death – demonstrates that our birthright is built on defending ourselves in every possible way against white supremacy!