Nanny of the Maroon

By Raven Russell

The British soldiers tried many times to find the Maroons, but Nanny was clever.
She knew the forest like a mother knows her child.
She used plants for medicine, trees for hiding, and the abeng horn to send secret messages from hill to hill.

One night, the British attacked, but Nanny stood strong.
She said, “We will never be slaves again!”
Her courage gave her people strength, and they fought bravely until the enemies ran away.
From that day, everyone called her “Queen Nanny.”

Years passed, but Nanny’s name lived on.
Today, she is one of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes , the only woman among them.
She reminds us that true strength comes not from weapons, but from courage, love, and unity.

Quiz Time

1. Who were the people Nanny led?
A. The British soldiers
B. The Maroons 
C. The pirates

2. What instrument did Nanny use to send messages?
A. A drum
B. A whistle
C. An abeng

3. What lesson can we learn from Nanny?
A. To be strong and never give up 
B. To fight everyone we meet
C. To run away from problems