A Child in Chains
The warm Bermuda sun peeked through the window as little Mary Prince opened her eyes. It was 1788, and she was just five years old. Her tiny hands gripped the rough blanket as she listened to her mama singing softly in the kitchen.
"Good morning, my sweet child," Mama called out. Her smile was bright, but Mary could see worry in her eyes.
Mary lived with her mama and four brothers and sisters in a small house. But this wasn't their house – it belonged to their master, Captain Williams. Mary and her family were enslaved, which meant they had to work for the captain without getting paid.
“I was born at Brackish-Pond, in Bermuda. My mother was a household slave,” Mary would later write in her famous book.
Every morning, Mary watched her mama work hard:
• Cooking meals for the master's family
• Cleaning their big house
• Washing their clothes
• Taking care of their children
Learning Hard Truths
One sunny afternoon, Mary was playing with Sarah, the master's daughter. They were the same age and liked to run through the garden together. But everything changed when Sarah's mother saw them.
"Sarah! Come away at once!" Mrs. Williams shouted. "Remember who she is!"
Mary felt her heart sink. That was the day she learned that the color of her skin meant she was different. She wasn't allowed to be friends with Sarah anymore.
"Why can't I play with Sarah anymore, Mama?" Mary asked that night, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Mama pulled Mary close. "My dear child, we must be strong. God sees us all the same, even if others don't."
Daily Life
As Mary grew a little older, she started helping with chores. Her tiny feet would carry her back and forth across the wooden floors, dusting and sweeping. Sometimes, she would steal glances at Sarah, who spent her days learning to read and write.
"I was too young to understand it then," Mary thought. "But I felt in my heart that something wasn't right."
The days were long and hard. Even when her arms ached from carrying heavy water buckets, Mary had to keep working. But at night, when the work was done, Mama would gather all her children close.
"Remember, my children," she would whisper, "you are precious. Never let anyone make you feel less than what you are."
Dreams of Freedom
At night, Mary would look up at the stars through her window. She dreamed of a different life – one where she could run free, learn to read, and be treated like Sarah.
Sometimes, she heard the grown-ups whisper about people who had escaped slavery. These stories made her heart beat faster. Could there be a different life waiting somewhere out there?
But for now, little Mary held onto her mama's words and stayed strong. She didn't know it yet, but one day, her story would help change the world. Her book would tell everyone about what it was like to be a slave, and help end slavery in many places.
The moon cast soft shadows on Mary's face as she drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow would bring more hard work, but in her dreams, she could fly free as a bird across the endless Bermuda sky.
Chains That Break Hearts
The morning Mary turned twelve, her whole world changed. She stood in the town square, shaking like a leaf as strange people looked at her.
“I was bought by different owners who gave me different names. But in my heart, I was always Mary,” she would later write.
The Day Everything Changed
“Step up! Young girl for sale!” the loud man shouted. Mary felt her mama’s hand squeeze hers one last time.
“Be brave, my sweet child,” Mama whispered, tears streaming down her face. “Never forget who you are.”
A New Master
A tall man named Mr. Myners bought Mary. He took her to a big house where she had to work harder than ever before:
• Washing clothes from sunrise to sunset
• Cleaning floors until her knees hurt
• Taking care of other people's children
• Going to bed hungry most nights
“Work faster!” Mrs. Myners would shout. “Lazy girl!” But Mary wasn’t lazy – she was just so tired.
Finding Small Joys
Even in the hardest times, Mary found tiny moments of happiness. Sometimes, she would sing her mama’s songs while working. Other times, she would watch the sea birds soar over the water.
One day, a kind cook named Sarah taught Mary a secret:
“When times are hard,” Sarah whispered, “count your blessings. Even small ones matter.”
More Changes
Just when Mary got used to life with the Myners, she was sold again. And then again. Each time, she had to leave everything she knew behind.
Dreams Keep Her Going
At night, Mary would look at the stars, just like she did when she was little. She’d remember her mama’s words: “You are precious.”
She started making plans in her head. “One day,” she thought, “I will be free.”
Even though her body was tired and her heart was sad, Mary’s spirit grew stronger. She learned to read a little by watching others. She listened carefully when people talked about freedom.
A Promise to Herself
“I may be a slave today,” Mary whispered to herself one night, “but I won’t be one forever. And when I’m free, I’ll help others be free too.”
The moon shone through her window, just like it did in her old home. Mary held onto hope like a precious jewel. She didn’t know it yet, but her strength would grow into something powerful – something that would help change many lives.
Finding My Voice
The sun was hot in the clear blue sky. Mary wiped sweat from her face as she cleaned the big house. She was older now, and stronger too.
A Special Friend
One morning, while washing clothes, Mary met Hannah, another slave who worked next door. Hannah had kind eyes and a warm smile.
“Here, let me help you with that,” Hannah said, lifting a heavy basket. “We must stick together.”
Hannah taught Mary many things, like how to read better and write some words. They would practice in secret after their work was done.
Learning to Pray
Hannah also showed Mary how to find peace in prayer. They would sit together in the evening, speaking softly:
“Dear Lord, give us strength to face tomorrow. Help us remember we are worthy of love.”
Small Acts of Courage
Mary started doing little brave things. When the master’s wife said mean words, Mary stood tall. When other slaves felt sad, she shared her food with them.
• Standing up for younger slaves
• Keeping her mama’s songs alive
• Learning new skills in secret
• Helping others find hope
A Test of Spirit
One day, the master got very angry when Mary took too long fetching water. Her legs were tired and sore.
“You’re nothing!” he shouted. But inside her heart, Mary thought:
I am something. I am Mary. I am strong.
Growing Wisdom
Years passed, and Mary grew wiser. She watched everything around her carefully. She listened to stories about places where people were free.
Dreams Getting Bigger
At night, Mary would think about her future. Her dreams weren’t just about being free anymore – they were about helping others find freedom too.
“Tell me more about the free lands,” she would ask travelers who passed by.
She kept every piece of information safe in her heart, like precious jewels:
• Stories about England, where slaves could be free
• Tales of people who escaped
• Words from books Hannah taught her to read
• News about others fighting against slavery
A New Kind of Strength
Mary wasn’t just getting stronger in her body. Her mind and spirit were growing powerful too. She started feeling something new inside – a voice that wanted to speak up.
Hannah noticed the change. “You’re different now, Mary,” she said with a smile. “You’re shining from the inside.” ✨
Mary held onto Hannah’s words like a warm blanket. Yes, she was different. She was becoming the person she was meant to be – someone who would one day tell her story to the world.
The stars twinkled above as Mary looked out her window. Tomorrow would bring more hard work, but her spirit was ready. She was growing stronger every day, preparing for something bigger than she could imagine.
Freedom Calls
The salty breeze blew across the docks as Mary watched ships come and go. She was now in Antigua, working for a new master. The sea whispered stories of far-off places where people were free.
A Special Meeting
One sunny morning, Mary met Daniel James, a kind man who was free. His eyes sparkled when he talked about England.
“Over there,” Daniel said, pointing across the ocean, “slaves can walk as free people.”
Mary’s heart beat faster. Could it be true? She and Daniel spent more time together, and soon they fell in love.
Making Plans
Daniel wanted to marry Mary. But her master said no at first. Mary stayed strong and kept asking. Finally, the master said yes!
“We’ll build a better life together,” Daniel promised Mary. “In England, you can be free.”
The Big Journey
In 1828, Mary’s master took a trip to England. She went with them, knowing this might be her chance. The ship rolled on big waves for many days.
• Huge waves like mountains
• Flying fish jumping
• Stars lighting up the night sky
• New lands she’d never seen before
Reaching England
When they got to England, Mary learned something amazing – she could be free here! But it wouldn’t be easy. She would have to fight for her rights.
“I won’t go back to being a slave,” Mary said firmly. Her voice was strong now.
Finding Help
In England, Mary met good people who wanted to help end slavery. They were called abolitionists. They listened to her story with kind hearts.
Speaking Up
Mary started telling others about what it was like to be a slave. Some people didn’t want to hear it, but she kept speaking up. Her words were powerful.
“I must tell the truth about slavery,” Mary said. “People need to know.”
Fighting for Rights
Life in England wasn’t always easy. Mary had to work hard and face new challenges. But she was free, and that made her strong. ⭐
She went to meetings where people talked about ending slavery. She shared her story with important people who could help make changes.
The English weather was cold and rainy, very different from her sunny island home. But Mary didn’t mind. Her heart was warm with hope and purpose. She was becoming more than just free – she was becoming a voice for change.
Finding Her Voice
The London fog swirled around Mary as she walked to meet with her new friends. Her heart felt light – she was free! But she knew many others weren’t. She had to help them.
The Writing Begins
“Please, tell us everything,” said Miss Pringle, a kind lady with gentle eyes. She had paper and ink ready.
Mary took a deep breath. “I was born in Bermuda,” she began. Her voice grew stronger as she spoke.
“Every word I speak is true. I want people to know what slavery really means.”
Brave Words
Some days were hard. Mary had to remember painful things. But she knew her story could help others.
“Did that really happen?” Miss Pringle would ask softly.
“Yes,” Mary would say. “Every bit of it.”
• Being sold away from her mama
• Working in salt ponds
• Kind people who helped her
• Her dreams of freedom
Making History
Day after day, Mary’s words filled more pages. She was doing something no one like her had done before – telling her own story. ⭐
Fighting Back
Some people didn’t want Mary’s story told. They said mean things about her. But Mary stood tall.
“I speak the truth,” she said. “And the truth must be heard.”
The Book Arrives
In 1831, Mary’s book was ready. It was called “The History of Mary Prince.” People all over England could read her story!
“Now everyone can know what it means to be a slave,” Mary said proudly.
Making Changes
Mary’s book made many people angry about slavery. They wanted to help end it. Her words were powerful!
People in big houses and small homes read Mary’s words. They passed her book to friends. They talked about what they read. Mary’s voice was being heard everywhere!
Each day, more people learned about slavery through Mary’s eyes. Her courage in telling her story was changing minds and hearts all across England.
A Voice That Changed History
The warm spring sun shone through Mary’s window in London. She held her book in her hands, still amazed to see her own story in print.
Making Waves
“Look at this letter, Mary!” Miss Pringle rushed in, waving a paper. “Your story is helping change minds!”
Mary smiled as she listened to people’s reactions to her book:
“I never knew slavery was so terrible. We must stop this!” wrote one reader.
Speaking Up
Mary began speaking at meetings. People came from far away to hear her talk. ️
“Tell us more,” they would say.
“I tell my story so others can be free,” Mary would answer.
• Showed people the truth about slavery
• Made people want to help
• Gave other slaves hope
• Changed laws
Victory at Last
In 1833, something wonderful happened! England made slavery against the law in all its colonies. Mary’s story helped make this happen! ⭐
A New Day
Mary stood by the window, thinking about her long journey. From a little girl in Bermuda to a free woman who changed the world.
“One voice can make a difference,” she whispered. “Never be afraid to speak up.”
Forever Remembered
Today, Mary Prince is remembered as a brave hero. Her story still teaches people about being brave and fighting for what’s right.
People still read Mary’s story today. It helps them understand why we must treat everyone with kindness and respect. Her courage lights the way for others who want to make the world better.
Mary Prince showed us that one person’s truth can help change the world. Her brave words will live forever, teaching new people about hope, freedom, and standing up for what’s right.