A set of six stamps from our 'Jersey's Black History' issue. South African artist Pola Maneli highlights individuals who played a part in Jersey's Black History with his powerful illustration style.
It is important to remember all parts, both positive and negative, of Jersey’s diverse history. Jersey was not a bystander in the transatlantic slave trade. Some Island residents were directly involved in the trade, owning plantations and enslaved people in other countries. Others can be linked through their investments, especially in the overseas mahogany trade. This stamp set brings to the forefront six individuals who represent stories which have often been overlooked, helping us to understand how past events continue to affect society today.
William Smith - Advocate of Female Education
Born in Ghana in 1816, William was the illegitimate son of a Yorkshireman and a local chieftain’s daughter. An active member of the anti-slavery movement in Sierra Leone, over 33,000 slaves were freed under his leadership. After moving to Jersey with his family in the 1870s, he became a lay preacher and a passionate advocate of female education. He was one of the founding members of the Jersey Ladies’ College.
‘Pompey’ - Avenger of Major Peirson
A single black figure is central to John Singleton Copley’s 1783 painting of the Battle of Jersey ‘The Death of Major Peirson’ which represents a key moment during the failed 1781 French invasion of the Island. Often referred to as ‘Pompey’, he returns fire, killing the French sniper. Information surrounding his real-life inspiration is vague. He is the only black figure in the painting; an unusual example from the time of a black figure being portrayed in such a prominent and heroic way.
Adelaide Smith Casely-Hayford - Pioneer of Pan-African Politics
Daughter of William Smith, Adelaide was born in 1868 in Sierra Leone. She became a founding pupil of Jersey Ladies’ College in the 1870s. Upon returning to Sierra Leone, Adelaide pioneered female education and became an inspirational political figure, receiving an MBE amongst many other awards. The stamp features Adelaide in traditional Sierra Leonean attire and Asteroid 6848 Casely-Hayford, which was named in her memory.
Hortense Watson - Windsor Crescent Servant
Born in Grenada in 1821, Hortense was owned by William Burke, a British enslaver who, following the abolition of slavery, received compensation for 1,289 freed slaves as part of the Slave Compensation Act of 1837. Many former enslavers used such funds to move to places like Jersey. Hortense was freed but remained with the family as a servant following their move to Windsor Crescent, Jersey, in 1841. Burke left Hortense £15 per year for life in his will.
John Jea - Esteemed Methodist Preacher
Born in 1773 and kidnapped into the slave trade at the age of two, John was sent to church as a punishment by his enslavers but found faith in Christianity. Later travelling the world as a Methodist preacher, he was known for his 1811 autobiography, ‘The Life, History, and Unparalleled Sufferings of John Jea, the African Preacher’. Falling ill whilst preaching on the Island in 1817, he passed away and was buried in St Helier.
Regina Wilson - Gained Teaching Qualifications
Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Regina lived in Jersey in 1894 to study and gain teacher training qualifications. On returning home, Wilson began teaching at the Wesleyan Girls High School. In 1966, five years after the country gained independence, her daughter, Constance Cummings-John, was elected Mayor of Freetown, the first woman to serve in that position.
