Dame Jennifer Praises Sally Bassett Book
Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith was recently presented with a copy of a newly released book telling the story of slave Sally Bassett, and described it saying “It chronicles the important historical details of not only, Bermuda’s slavery legacy, but also of how the Sally Bassett story fits into this context.”
The book, ‘Freedom’s Flames: Slavery in Bermuda and The True Story of Sally Bassett’, is aimed at children aged 11-years-old and up, and was written by Colwyn “Junior” Burchall, Jr.
Dame Jennifer said: “I am delighted to receive this book on behalf of the Ministry. It is a wonderfully written piece aimed at young readers. It chronicles the important historical details of not only, Bermuda’s slavery legacy, but also of how the Sally Bassett story fits into this context.”
“Mr. Burchall’s sensitive treatment of the subject matter allows young readers to more readily engage in a serious examination of the most distressing period in Bermuda’s history through a textual ‘lens’ that is both age-appropriate and entertaining. I commend his efforts on producing such a thought provoking piece.”
“We must continue to move forward, but, we must never forget from whence we came. Bermuda history is important and we will continue to urge its’ teaching in our schools.”
Mr Burchall, a former educator who presently divides his time between freelance writing and working as a stay-at-home dad to his two year-old son, holds degrees in Philosophy and Literacy Education from Mount Saint Vincent University in Canada.
This is the second book of the Icon Series to be published, after “Look for Me in the Whirlwind: A Story of Marcus Garvey,” which was released in December 2009. The third book of the series, “Dame Lois: Mother of the Nation” is tentatively scheduled for release in 2011. Mr Burchall hopes to release approximately ten books over the next few years.
Freedom’s Flames is available for purchase at the Bermuda Bookstore, the Bookmart and the People’s Pharmacy. You can join the Icon Series on Facebook here.
Well done Mr Burchall in promoting keep Bermuda’s history to the young ones.