Jamaica – 1515 -The Arrival of the Africans

Last week we celebrated the arrival of the Jews to the cultural mix in 1530. This week we learn that the first group of Africans were brought to the Island by the Spanish & Portuguese. They were servants, cowboys, cattle herders, pig and horse farmers, and hunters. When the English captured Jamaica in 1655, many Africans fought with the Spanish against the British and were rewarded with their freedom. They then fled to the mountains where they resisted the British for many years to maintain their freedom and became known as Maroons. Join in another enlightening history lesson taken from, ‘Pieces of the Past’ by Dr. Rebecca Tortello as we explore the fascinating and diverse culture of Jamaica which exemplifies the motto: “Out Of Many One People” The Labrish continues in the BackYard as we Celebrate, Enlighten & Preserve the rich diverse culture of Jamaica, Land We Love! Call: 718-766-4558 to Join in the Labrish. Wednesday 3/2/11.