Sarah White: A Proud Maroon Matriarch

The True Story Of One family’s journey From Maroon To Today

Born in 1874, Sarah White was a formidable woman—strong in spirit, unwavering in conviction, and deeply proud of her heritage. She was a Maroon, and if there was ever any doubt, she made it clear with a firm declaration: “I am a Maroon.” Those words were not just an affirmation but a testament to her resilience and pride in her ancestry.

The Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped captivity and formed independent communities, were known for their fierce resistance against oppression. Sarah embodied that same strength, carrying forward the legacy of her ancestors.

In 1895, Sarah’s life took a new turn when she met and married William Martin, becoming Sarah Martin. Their union was one of mutual respect and shared values, built on the foundation of perseverance and a desire to create a better future. Together, they raised three children—Pearl, Carmen, and Lenard.

As the years passed, each of Sarah and William’s children found their own paths, carving out independent lives while honoring the legacy of strength passed down to them.

• Pearl Martin later married Lloyd Edwards, becoming Pearl Edwards.
• Carmen Martin also found a life partner and took on the name Carmen Brown after marriage.
• Lenard Martin, Sarah’s only son, married Louise Green, beginning a new chapter with her by his side.

Carrying the Flame: The Legacy Lives On

The story of Sarah Martin did not end with her passing—it only deepened, branching outward through the lives of her children, grandchildren, and all those who came after. With every generation, the values she lived by—strength, pride, and resilience—were passed down like heirlooms more precious than gold.

Pearl, Carmen, and Lenard each raised families of their own, rooted in the traditions and dignity their mother instilled. Pearl Edwards, warm and wise like her mother, was known in her community for her storytelling and Sunday dinners that brought everyone together. Carmen Brown became a beloved figure in her town, often sought out for advice and always standing firm in what was right. Lenard Martin, though quieter by nature, carried his mother’s fire in his heart—teaching his children to stand tall and remember who they were.

As time moved forward and Jamaica itself evolved—through colonial tensions, independence in 1962, and a rapidly changing world—the family adapted but never forgot its roots. Some stayed on the island, preserving the family home and traditions. Others journeyed abroad, to England, Canada, the United States, carrying with them the spirit of their Maroon ancestry into new lands.

Through it all, Sarah’s story became more than memory—it became legacy. Her descendants spoke of her with reverence, often repeating the phrase she was known for: “I am a Maroon.” It was a reminder of where they came from and the fire that lived in their veins.

And now, generations later, her great-grandchildren—teachers, artists, engineers, nurses, musicians, and dreamers—continue to carry that flame. Among them is the voice behind this very story. Intertwined in the story of the Jamaican people is also the story of my great-grandmother, my father, my sister, my cousins, and my children.

The names may change with time, the places too—but the spirit remains constant. The roots are deep, the branches strong, and the tree ever growing.