Hampton School pays tribute to slaves who contributed to its founders’ fortunes

A historical event unfolded at Hampton School recently with the consecration and unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The plaque stands as a testament to the invaluable contributions of enslaved Africans, whose forced labour played a pivotal role in shaping the fortunes of the school’s benefactors, Caleb Dickinson and Robert Hugh Munro. The endowment left behind by Dickinson and Munro has since paved the way for the education of boys and girls in St Elizabeth.

The plaque serves as a formal recognition of the role enslaved Africans played in the history of the school and reads: ‘In commemoration of the sacrifice and involuntary labour of the enslaved Africans whose service contributed to the creation of our school.’

Students and dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the event. The memorial was influenced on the initiative of Professor Verene Shepherd and implemented along with Hampton past students Verleta Green, Donna Parchment Brown and the school board.

Speaking at the event Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, also a beneficiary of the Munro & Dickenson Trust, encouraged students of the institution to tell their stories, saying, “As a people, we have allowed other people to tell our story, so today, in unveiling the plaque, we are telling the other side of the story. Ensure that you’re always telling your own story, and that people are not telling a story on your behalf’,” he continued.

The organisers note that the celebratory event underscores the importance of recognising and honouring the contributions of all individuals, past and present, in shaping Jamaica’s heritage.