Queen Nanny of the Maroons: The Warrior Priestess Who Defied the British
Queen Nanny of the Maroons: The Warrior Priestess Who Led Jamaica’s Fight for Freedom
Once you hear the story and legend of Queen Nanny, you simply cannot forget it! I truly believe these are the kinds of stories that deserve full-length, big-budget films. I can practically feel the Oya Yansa energy radiating from every word as I study her and the incredible movement that still lives on today.
It’s frustrating that here in the USA we rarely learn about these iconic figures in school. This omission isn’t accidental—it contributes to some of our larger challenges as a people. Representation matters, and if the only narrative you hear about your ancestors is that they were subservient and always following orders, then you risk being disconnected from your true roots.
I write every day about the genuine stories of our people, drawing from my own experience growing up with two revolutionary, Pan-African parents who fought tirelessly for BIPOC empowerment in America. I know what it’s like to battle self-hatred and yearn to be “normal.” But with the legacy of my father, Adeyemi Efundeji Oyeilumi, guiding me, I’m determined to spark a global conversation about the positive contributions of people of African descent.
Check out the facts below, and let me know—should these stories be made into feature films?
🔥 What happens when a warrior priestess leads an army of freedom fighters against an empire? You get Queen Nanny of the Maroons, the fearless leader who used spiritual power, guerrilla warfare, and intelligence to outwit the British and secure freedom for her people.
Facts About Queen Nanny of the Maroons – The Jamaican Warrior Priestess Who Outwitted the British
Queen Nanny was a fearless leader, warrior, and spiritual guide of the Windward Maroons in Jamaica. She led her people in guerrilla warfare against the British, using African war strategies and spiritual practices to resist colonial rule.
1. Queen Nanny Was the Leader of the Windward Maroons
She led the Windward Maroons, a group of escaped enslaved Africans who settled in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica and fought for their freedom.
2. She Was a Skilled Guerrilla Warfare Strategist
Queen Nanny and her warriors used hit-and-run tactics, traps, and camouflage to outsmart British troops in the dense Jamaican mountains.
3. Queen Nanny Used Psychological Warfare Against the British
She created fake villages to lure British soldiers into ambushes and spread rumors of supernatural powers, making the enemy afraid to engage her forces.
4. She Was a High Priestess of African Spirituality
Nanny was believed to be an Obeah woman (a spiritual healer and warrior) who called upon ancestral spirits to protect her people.
5. Nanny Town Was Her Stronghold
Queen Nanny established Nanny Town, a fortified village in the Blue Mountains, where her people could safely live, train, and plan attacks against the British.
6. The British Couldn’t Capture or Kill Her for Years
Despite multiple attacks, British forces failed to capture or kill Queen Nanny, leading to myths that she was invincible or could vanish into thin air.
7. The British Were Forced to Sign a Peace Treaty in 1739
After years of unsuccessful battles, the British signed a treaty granting the Maroons land and semi-autonomy, marking a rare victory for an African-led resistance in the Americas.
8. She Helped Free Hundreds of Enslaved Africans
Queen Nanny’s Maroons frequently raided plantations, freeing enslaved Africans and leading them into the mountains to join their resistance.
9. Queen Nanny Is a National Hero of Jamaica
She is one of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes, the only woman to receive this honor, and is featured on the Jamaican $500 bill, often called the “Nanny.”
10. Her Legacy Lives On in Maroon Communities Today
The Maroons still exist in Jamaica, with descendants in Accompong and Moore Town preserving her warrior spirit, traditions, and independence.
Why This Matters Today
Queen Nanny’s story isn’t just about the past—it’s about the power of African women, the strength of the Maroons, and the fight for freedom that continues today. She is proof that enslaved people didn’t just resist—they won.
✨ Tune in for the full discussion on Queen Nanny’s revolutionary impact!
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🗣️ Have you heard of Queen Nanny before? What are your thoughts on her leadership? Let’s talk in the comments!