Immortalized in Sculpture
Sam Sharpe Square, a significant historical site in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was established to commemorate Sharpe and his pivotal role in the Christmas Rebellion.
Originally known as Charles Square, it underwent a renaming process in 1976 to honour the national hero. The memorial serves as a reminder of the courageous struggle for freedom and the ultimate abolition of slavery in Jamaica.
Inaugurated as a central gathering place, Sam Sharpe Square has evolved into a hub for various cultural events and community activities in Montego Bay.
The square features the iconic Sam Sharpe Monument, a bronze statue skillfully crafted by Kay Sullivan, portraying Sharpe holding his Bible and addressing his people. Unveiled by Prime Minister Edward Seaga in 1983, this monument is a lasting tribute to Sharpe’s exceptional leadership during the rebellion.
The square also houses other significant heritage structures, such as the Cage, the Civic Centre (formerly the Court House), and the Freedom Monument, each contributing to the rich historical narrative of the location. (Sam Sharpe Square, 2016)
Celebrated Annually
Sam Sharpe Day, proclaimed on December 27th by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, stands as a testament to Jamaica’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Samuel Sharpe.
The proclamation, made at the Cabinet’s request, aligns with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport’s dedication to honoring those pivotal to Jamaica’s development.
The date marks the commencement of the Baptiste War, which was initiated by Sharpe’s leadership. Sam Sharpe Day provides a poignant moment for reflection and celebration, acknowledging the unwavering courage and bold resolve of the ancestors who sacrificed for freedom under Sharpe’s guidance.
Although not declared a public holiday, the day encourages Jamaicans to unite in commemorating Sam Sharpe’s life, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice. The celebration aims to inspire a commitment to nation-building, emphasizing the importance of being each other’s keepers and promoting the well-being and welfare of all Jamaicans.
The day, marked by various events and activities, serves as a call to remember and honour the indelible legacy of Sam Sharpe, whose actions reverberate through Jamaica’s history. (Grange, 2020)
Featured on Currency
The $50 Jamaican Banknote holds a special place in the country’s currency, as it prominently features the face of Sam Sharpe.
Introduced in the late 20th century, this denomination commemorates Sharpe’s pivotal role in Jamaica’s history and his significant contributions to Jamaican culture.
The presence of Sharpe’s image on the $50 bill acts as an enduring memorialization of his lasting influence on the Jamaican people, ensuring that his contributions to Jamaica’s journey toward freedom are remembered and celebrated every time the note changes hands. (Rowe, 2022)
Honoured by an Educational Institution
Established in 1975, Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College not only pays homage to the historical significance of Samuel Sharpe but actively integrates his values into its educational mission. The college’s credo, “Service, Commitment, Excellence,” serves as the guiding principles that reflect and perpetuate Sharpe’s enduring legacy.
The emphasis on “Service” within the college’s credo aligns with Samuel Sharpe’s commitment to the service of his people during the struggle for emancipation. Sharpe’s leadership and advocacy for freedom were rooted in a profound sense of service to those oppressed by the institution of slavery. The college, in embracing this principle, echoes Sharpe’s dedication to serving the community and nation through education.
“Commitment,” another component of the college’s credo, resonates with Sharpe’s unwavering determination in the pursuit of justice and freedom. Samuel Sharpe’s commitment to the abolition of slavery reflects a tenacious resolve that inspires the college to instill similar dedication in its students.
“Excellence” in the college’s credo mirrors the visionary qualities attributed to Samuel Sharpe. His intelligence, strategic planning, and meticulous approach to the fight for freedom demonstrated the pursuit of excellence in achieving his goals. The college, by adopting this principle, aims to cultivate a culture of academic and professional excellence among its students and staff, mirroring Sharpe’s dedication to excellence in the pursuit of a liberated society. (Our History – Sam Sharpe Teachers College, n.d.)
Proclaimed a National Hero
National Heroes Day in Jamaica was declared to recognize and honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s development and history. The day was first celebrated on October 20, 1969, and it serves as a time to reflect on the sacrifices, resilience, and pride demonstrated by national heroes, both historical and contemporary.
The celebration emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving Jamaican history, as highlighted by the words of the first National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey: “A people without the knowledge of their past, history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” The legacy built by past heroes is seen as a foundation for the present and future generations, fostering a sense of pride and inspiring individuals to emulate the greatness of their ancestors.
Sam Sharpe is prominently included among Jamaica’s national heroes for his instrumental role in the abolition of slavery in Jamaica. His actions were crucial in bringing about the end of African enslavement in the Western hemisphere. Sharpe’s dedication to the cause of freedom and his resilience in the face of oppression make him a symbol of the nation’s journey toward political independence and the pursuit of economic independence. His inclusion among the national heroes signifies the recognition of his enduring impact on Jamaica’s history and the poignant legacy of those who sacrificed for the nation’s freedom. National Heroes Day stands as a yearly reminder to acknowledge, honour, and express gratitude for the contributions of individuals like Sam Sharpe, ensuring their memory lives on. (National Heroes Day Message From the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, MP, Prime Minister – Jamaica Information Service, 2024, Oct.21)
