Black History | Jamaican Slaves Who Abolished Slavery

Black History Month is a time to reflect on stories that are too often overlooked. In this inspiring online talk, Paul Crooks reveals how enslaved Jamaicans played a central role in forcing the abolition of slavery — not as passive subjects of reform, but as organisers, leaders, and revolutionaries.

The fight for freedom did not begin in Parliament. It began in Jamaica’s fields, towns, and communities, where enslaved men and women risked everything to dismantle the system from within. Through rebellion, vision, and deep-rooted faith, they made freedom a reality.

Paul Crooks — a pioneering genealogist and author known for tracing African Caribbean ancestry back through the era of slavery — brings authority and insight to this powerful story. Drawing on his extensive research into Caribbean history and Black family heritage, Paul uncovers how collective resistance in Jamaica directly influenced the course of British abolition.

In this talk, you’ll discover:

• How Jamaican uprisings shaped the abolition of slavery in Britain
• The power of collective action in the face of extreme oppression
• Why this story has been downplayed — and why it matters today

This event is not only about the past; it speaks to the enduring strength and vision of those who came before us. Their story offers fresh perspective and inspiration for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Black history.

Who is this for?

This talk is for the general public — history enthusiasts, students, educators, and members of the African-Caribbean, African-American, and UK African diaspora — who want to engage with the truth of emancipation and explore the power of agency in Black history.

Plus Ticket: Along with event access, Plus Ticket holders will receive a digital copy of the 'The First Maroon War' interactive PowerPoint, which will be sent via email after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/G-4LQSGP4-o

Premium Ticket: Premium access includes all Plus offerings, plus a digital copy of Paul Crooks' latest novel 'Descendants,' sent to you electronically after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/BmI8rTjUEmE

Deluxe Ticket: Deluxe attendees enjoy all Premium benefits, with the added bonus of the 'DNA Testing Demystified: Separating Fact from Fiction in Genealogy' eBook to deepen your understanding of genealogy which will be sent via email after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/mQanCy3o1XM

About the speaker

Trailblazing family historian Paul Crooks pioneered research into Black genealogy during the 1990s. He traced his family history from London, back 6 generations, to ancestors enslaved on a sugar plantation in North America.

Paul was told that it would be impossible to trace records of slave-ownership let alone his Ancestors enslaved on plantations in North America. “No one had tried because such records did not exist.” Undeterred, he embarked on a journey of discovery that led from suburban North London to North America and ultimately back to the Gold Coast.

His books, Ancestors and A Tree Without Roots - The Guide To Tracing British, African and Asian Caribbean Ancestry brought him international recognition for his breakthrough research into Black genealogy.

Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge in interest in Black and British ancestry. He is also recognised for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.

Be sure to follow Black History Speaker Paul Crooks on Eventbrite!

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