.jpg){kind=link}
When she heard of the evils whites had done, she cried. She’d warned the men of her village that their freedom was at stake, cautioning them against the oppressors’ tricks. The men didn’t listen – until the unthinkable happened.
The British kidnapped their king – her grandson – hoping to weaken their kingdom, enslave her people and steal their resources! But that wasn’t even the worst of it.
A white soldier even SAT ON THE ROYAL STOOL! The sacred seat of the Ashanti kingdom was a symbol of power and cultural traditions. As Queen Mother, Yaa Asantewaa was rightfully enraged. This insult was unforgivable, but still her men refused to fight! So she did the only thing she could do.
She mobilized her women! She became the Commander in Chief of the Ashanti army and led them to battle, refusing to surrender to white rule. Inspired, the men finally joined them, rose up, and rebelled!
Asantewaa’s War killed more British soldiers than all previous wars. While this powerful queen was captured and exiled, her strength, sacrifice, and leadership remain legendary!
We must fight against oppression at every turn, especially when those we expect to fight for us don’t stand up. Then we can preserve our kingdoms and queendoms, keep our people strong, and protect our culture and legacies.