Belinda Royall facts for kids

Belinda Sutton, also known as Belinda Royall, was a brave woman born in West Africa around 1713. When she was young, she was forced to live and work for the Royall family in Medford, Massachusetts, USA. This was a time when many people were unfairly held as slaves.

Who Was Belinda Sutton?

Belinda's early life began in West Africa. Sadly, she was taken from her home and brought to America, where she was forced into slavery by the Royall family. She lived at their large home, the Isaac Royall House, in Medford, Massachusetts.

Her Fight for Freedom

When the American Revolution began, the owner of the house, Isaac Royall Jr., left for Nova Scotia. He left Belinda behind. This was a difficult time for her, but she decided to fight for her rights.

What is a Petition?

In February 1783, Belinda Sutton wrote a special letter called a petition. A petition is a formal request, usually written, that is sent to a person or group in power. Belinda sent her petition to the Massachusetts General Court, which was like the state's government or parliament at the time.

Asking for Support

In her petition, Belinda asked for a pension. A pension is a regular payment, often given to someone who has worked for a long time or is in need. Belinda asked for money from the wealth of her former enslaver, Isaac Royall Jr. She believed she deserved support after all the years she had been forced to work without pay.

A Step Towards Justice

Belinda's petition was very important. The Massachusetts General Court listened to her request. They decided to give her an annual pension of fifteen pounds and twelve shillings. This was a significant amount of money at the time.

Early Reparations

This decision to grant Belinda a pension is seen as one of the first times that a government tried to make up for the wrongs of slavery. This idea of making amends for past injustices is sometimes called reparation. Belinda's case showed that people were starting to think about what was fair for those who had been enslaved.

Continuing Her Struggle

Even after being granted the pension, Belinda's fight was not over. Records show that after receiving the first two payments, the money stopped coming. She did not give up. She continued to send more petitions to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, asking for the payments she was owed. Her last known petition was filed in 1793.

Belinda's Voice in Poetry

Belinda Sutton's story has inspired many people. The famous poet Rita Dove wrote a poem in 1980 called "Belinda's Petition." In this poem, Rita Dove imagines Belinda speaking directly to the government. Belinda reminds them that they had just fought for their own freedom from unfair rule, saying: "Lately your Countrymen have severed / the Binds of Tyranny," and then simply adding, "I would hope you / would consider the Same for me." This poem helps us understand Belinda's courage and her powerful message.