Rediscovering Francis Williams: The Jamaican Polymath Erased from Scientific History
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In 2023, The Royal Society, the United Kingdom’s storied scientific academy, made history by electing its first Black fellow. Yet, this groundbreaking achievement could have occurred nearly three centuries earlier if not for the entrenched racism of the era. In 1716, Francis Williams, a brilliant 22 yr old polymath from Jamaica, was proposed as a candidate at a meeting attended by luminaries like Isaac Newton and Edmund Halley. Despite his remarkable intellect, his application was rejected solely “on account of his complexion.”
Francis Williams had to navigate a world rife with racism. His scientific pursuits and literary endeavours continually challenged colonial attitudes. A painting of Williams, long misunderstood and even mocked, has recently shed new light on his legacy.
The Unmatched Legacy of West Indies Cricket Legend Courtney Walsh
Walsh’s first-class debut in 1981 marked the beginning of an exceptional career. By 1984, he had earned a spot on the West Indies national team, where he played 132 Tests and 205 ODIs, claiming 519 Test wickets and 227 ODI wickets. In 2000, he made history as the first bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, setting a world record that held until 2004.
Alongside fellow fast bowler Curtly Ambrose, Walsh formed a lethal partnership that collected 421 wickets across 49 Tests, instilling fear in batting line-ups worldwide.
10 Remarkable Jamaican Inventors and the Stories Behind Their Inventions
Jamaica has long been celebrated for its vibrant culture, musical contributions, and athletic prowess. But beyond the beaches and reggae beats, this island nation has given rise to brilliant inventors whose creations have made a global impact. From medical breakthroughs and engineering marvels to fashion statements and revolutionary music techniques, Jamaican inventors have changed how we live, work, and play. In this article, we’re shining a spotlight on ten remarkable Jamaicans whose inventions have made waves around the world, revealing the ingenuity, passion, and resilience behind each creation.
Remembering Ranny Williams Jamaican Comedy and Theatre Pioneer on the Occassion of his 112th Birth Anniversary
By his teenage years, Williams was already exploring acting and comedy, staging small performances for community events. Williams’ career took a professional turn in 1930 when Marcus Garvey invited him to join the vaudeville group at Edelweiss Park in Kingston. Performing sketches like Blacks Gone Wild and Old Black Joe, Ranny’s humour won over audiences, and he soon became a fixture in Jamaica’s theatre scene.
Haunted Geography: St George's Anglican Church, Mile Gully
Join us as we kick off our Haunted Geography series, where we delve into Jamaica's most mysterious places and the legends that shape our cultural heritage.
In this episode, we explore St. George’s Anglican Church in Mile Gully, Manchester and the story of James Knight, the slave who was beheaded and whose ghost locals believe still haunt the grounds.
If you enjoy ghost stories, history, and Jamaican folklore, this series is for you! Share your feedback with us in the comments, what other haunted location should we visit next?
The Life and Legacy of Oliver Samuels, King of Comedy and Beloved Jamaican Entertainer
Samuels’ upbringing was far from glamorous. Growing up in poverty, he attended the Salvation Army School and Dinthill Technical High School, where opportunities for nurturing his dramatic talent were scarce. Daily life was a struggle, with young Oliver walking miles to school and assisting his ailing mother with household chores. Yet, he never let hardship define him. His mother’s constant encouragement instilled in him a sense of self-worth and determination.
From Track Star to Tennis Champion, Celebrating the inspiring Career of Brigitte Foster-Hylton
Brigitte Ann Foster-Hylton's athletic journey reached a pinnacle in 2009 when she won the 100m hurdles gold medal at the World Championships in Berlin, marking a groundbreaking moment as she became the first Jamaican, male or female, to secure a global sprint hurdles title ... read more
On This Day : Carole Joan Crawford Made History as Jamaica’s First Miss World Winner
On November 7th 1963 Carole Joan Crawford, born in St. Elizabeth Jamaica, rose to international fame as the first Jamaican and Caribbean woman to win the prestigious Miss World title. At just 20, Crawford’s victory symbolised hope and pride for her recently independent nation ... read more
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3 个月So worth the read! Tank oonu