Uncle Manta and the Children of Pride

About the Book

Born into slavery in Georgia in the mid 1800's, Uncle Manta escapes, as a child, to freedom in Bermuda. This is the story of his adventure, an adventure in body as well as spirit. Manta's story of persecution and eventual freedom was always guided and strengthened by the deep spiritual teachings of his people, expressed so clearly as they raised their voices in heartfelt song.

As a child I had the privilege of growing up with an old man who was once a slave. This story tells of his life as a slave, the cruel death of his mother, and his escape, only to be recaptured and forced on a march from Georgia to Virginia, where he was loaded into a ship bound for Bermuda. Circumstances let him live on an island for some eight years with thirty other children who were also discarded slaves. He, being the oldest of the group, had to provide for their needs for those eight years.

This story tells of how his faith and courage saved the lives of all but one.

About the Author

Author Keith Allen Hall was born and raised in Devonshire, Bermuda, where Uncle Manta was his mentor and "shepherd of one of God's precious flocks."Keith was a scholarship student of Julliard School of Music. His interest and love of opera led him to many roles as a vocalist around the world, and he is considered by many to be one of North America's best baritone soloists.

His unique operatic approach to the Negro spiritual has made him a popular lecturer and performer in schools and universities throughout Canada, the United States and Bermuda. His great love for his people and their heritage, and the indelible impression that Uncle Manta made on his life, have inspired him to publish this book and a companion compact disc of beautifully performed "songs of the spirit."

He has received recognition from both the Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the College of New Caledonia "for outstanding contribution as a Black Pioneer in Northern B.C."

"Uncle Manta was always free, even as a slave," says Keith Hall. "That is one of the great lessons that his life has taught us, a teaching that is relevant to this very day."