Mary Prince: A Story of Courage
Mary Prince was a brave woman whose story helped change history.
She was born more than 200 years ago in the Caribbean, at a time when slavery existed. As a child, she was treated unfairly and forced to work without pay or freedom.
Later in her life, she travelled to England. There, she told people about her experiences. Her story was written down and published in 1831.
It was the first time the life story of a Black woman who had experienced slavery was published in Britain.
Why Is Mary Prince Important?
Mary Prince helped people understand that slavery was wrong.
Her story showed:
- That slavery caused suffering and injustice
- That everyone deserves freedom
- That speaking up can help bring change
Just two years after her book was published, slavery was abolished across most of the British Empire in 1833.
Her voice helped people see the truth.
What Can Pupils Learn?
From Mary Prince’s life, children can learn:
- The importance of fairness
- The value of courage
- Why it is important to treat everyone with respect
- How one person’s story can make a difference
For Teachers
This short video resource supports:
- KS1 & KS2 History
- Black History Month assemblies
- PSHE lessons on fairness and equality
- Literacy lessons exploring autobiography and storytelling
Mary Prince’s life provides an age-appropriate introduction to discussions about slavery, justice and human rights within the context of British history.
