White people called it a conspiracy. Enslaved Black people knew it was freedom. How did one enslaved man’s brilliant planning set the stage for the independence the Bahamas enjoys today?
Bussa was a “driver,” or overseer, in the Bahamas. Though he “managed” other enslaved people, he himself was also enslaved.
Like the others, he faced the same horrors of enslavement – but there was something very different about him.
He was a brilliant leader. Using his position, he worked with other drivers to plan a revolt against British colonizers. Soon, many of the enslaved people on the island – about 400 – were armed and ready to fight for their freedom.
However, the story doesn’t end there.
Bussa centered liberation as a natural right for enslaved Black people – even creating flags as symbols for his followers! Though he was captured and killed, his work inspired two more rebellions and created the culture of independence that has allowed the Bahamas to finally rid themselves of their British colonizer’s control.
Not much is known about Bussa’s life, but his lesson to us is clear: Black liberation isn’t a one-off. It’s a way of life and a clear reminder of our birthright to freedom and the resources white supremacy has stolen from us.