The story of Paul Bogel who was born a slave in Stony Gut, St. Thomas Jamaica, is indicative of so many ‘unknown bards’ who fought, sang, and believed in their right to be free under God. Bogel grew up at the tail end of slavery when the plantation owners did not want to give slaves their new rights, nor did they want them to get land. When God is changing an old regime we often see the incumbent put up a last violent stand.
Bogel’s previous owner had taught him to read and write. He read the Bible and was a self-taught scholar who owned land and was also able to vote! When the slaves were made free by law, they soon found out that this freedom was not being practised in reality. Bogel became a spokesman for his people, and led a series of protests to speak to the Governor at Spanish Town and in Morant Bay. A skirmish broke out at the Morant Bay courthouse and the Governor sent in the troops. This led to the Morant Bay Rebellion where Bogel's followers and chapel were burnt and where he was eventually arrested. Bogel was eventually hung and four hundred and fifty people perished along with him.
After the rebellion it became clear to the British parliament that if the transition from slavery to freedom was not protected by law, anarchy would ensnare the British colonies.
Bogel's death brought about a new beginning, better roads and schools, social and educational services and the right to own land. This movement continued and culminated in the formation of the Trade Unions and political parties that would one day be led by Jamaican people in a land they would call their own.
Today it is easy to see ourselves as being powerless victims, not being as well off as those around us, but Paul Bogel did not see his limitations, he took what he had been previously given by God, and made use of it for his fellow man.
The fact that you can read and write, live in relative freedom, are surrounded by knowledge and possibilities, makes you some of the wealthiest people in the world. I challenge you this morning not to look at your own limitations, but to look at the unlimited possibilities of the God you serve. Moses demanded from the Governor Pharaoh that he ‘let my people go’ and although he to never saw the Promised Land, he paved the way for you and me to have the opportunities our forebears prayed we would have. Whatever Pharaoh you might be facing in your personal life, maybe it’s the pharaoh of poor education, lack of opportunity, low self-esteem and fear, today, we are here to tell those old demons ‘let our people go’. This is a time to stand up and be counted, to demand from yourself the spirit of excellence and determination; to school yourself to continue through difficult tasks, to enlist support for challenging times. Make no mistake about it, the Bible tells us ‘the race is not for the swift but for those who endure to the end’
REVEREND Claudette-Athea Douglas
Is the Research and Development Officer for the Churches Commission for Racial Justice and Senior Pastor for Holy Apostles Theatre Ministry in Brixton.
