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Sarah Bonetta cried as she ran down the garden lane, guards chasing close behind. There was nowhere she could go – she was their prisoner now.
This freezing castle wasn’t her home, and the whites’ eyes showed their hatred. Despite being captive, she ignored their leers. She knew who she was – and luckily, she had one powerful ally who did too.
When she saw the Queen, she stood tall. Queen Victoria knew that Sarah Forbes Bonetta was a West African princess, who deserved to be treated with respect. Not everyone felt that way – but it didn’t matter. Her self-respect was her superpower.
The Queen dressed her in fine clothing and paid for her education – but Bonetta heard the slurs of the court. They hated that a beautiful Black girl, stolen from her country, had stolen the queen’s heart – and that her beauty had stolen the people of England’s adoration.
Despite the court’s jealousy, Bonetta maintained her self-respect and triumphed with her dignity, eventually marrying and returning to Africa. Like Bonetta, if we maintain our dignity despite white oppression, then we can impact the world with our presence and elegance.
Remember, no one can take your crown!