Buck Breaking in Jamaica: A Survivor’s Fight for Freedom - A Story of Caribbean History
Podcast:History of the Caribbeans | Exploring Resilience and Culture Published On: Sun Aug 10 2025 Description: Through the raw, unfiltered voice of a survivor, 'Buck Breaking in Jamaica: A Survivor’s Fight for Freedom' immerses listeners in one of the most brutal chapters of Caribbean history. This Smithsonian-style documentary exposes the violent practice of buck breaking— a weapon of control used to diminish the spirit of enslaved men in Jamaica. Experience the unthinkable endurance required to survive against overwhelming odds, as the narrator escapes a plantation where punishment was a public performance. From the suffocating heat of the plantation to the haunting Blue Mountains, this real-life account reveals harrowing yet poignant moments of survival. Alongside the danger, hear the profound moments of resilience, guided by Maroon fighters preserving their cultural heritage. This story is not just about survival; it’s about reclaiming identity, memory, and manhood amid relentless oppression. It challenges preconceived notions of slavery in the Caribbean, offering a lived experience that reshapes our understanding of history.