Marcus Garvey is one of the most influential figures in the history of the African diaspora. Known as the “Father of Pan-Africanism,” Garvey dedicated his life to the upliftment of people of African descent around the world. Born in Jamaica in 1887, Garvey moved to the United States in 1916, where he founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and African Communities League. Through these organizations, Garvey worked to establish a sense of community and pride among people of African descent and promote the ideas of self-reliance, economic development, and cultural pride. He also promoted the idea of a “back to Africa” movement, encouraging people of African descent to return to the continent and help build a strong, independent African nation. Garvey’s ideas and efforts helped to lay the foundation for the modern Pan-African movement and his legacy continues to inspire people of African descent around the world today. In this blog post, we will explore the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey, and how his ideas continue to shape the world today.
Marcus Garvey was born in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica on August 17, 1887. He was the youngest of eleven children and his parents were both of mixed-race heritage. His father was a mason and his mother was a domestic worker. As a child, Garvey attended elementary school in Jamaica, but he did not receive any further formal education.
In 1914, Garvey moved to London, England where he became active in political and intellectual circles. He became a member of the African Times and Orient Review, a newspaper that focused on the issues facing people of African descent. He also met with other Pan-Africanists and leaders of the African diaspora during this time.
In 1916, Garvey returned to Jamaica and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL). The organization aimed to promote pride and self-reliance among people of African descent, and it quickly gained a large following in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean.
Garvey then moved to the United States, where he established UNIA divisions in several cities, including New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. He also started the Negro World, a newspaper that had a wide circulation in the United States and other countries.
In 1919, Garvey established the Black Star Line, a shipping company that sought to promote trade and commerce between African nations and the African diaspora. He also planned to establish a settlement for black people in Africa, and he even managed to raise funds for the project.
In the 1920s, Garvey became one of the most prominent and influential leaders in the African American community. However, his organization faced challenges from the U.S. government and internal divisions. In 1922, he was convicted of mail fraud and sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in 1927 after serving two and a half years in prison, and he was later deported back to Jamaica.
Garvey died in London, England on June 10, 1940. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world who are working for social justice and human rights.
Why does he called: The Father of Pan-Africanism?
Marcus Garvey is called the “Father of Pan-Africanism” because he was a key figure in the early 20th century movement that sought to unite people of African descent across the world and promote the ideas of self-reliance, economic development, and cultural pride. Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914 and through this organization, he worked to establish a sense of community and pride among people of African descent. He also promoted the idea of a “back to Africa” movement, encouraging people of African descent to return to the continent and help build a strong, independent African nation. His ideas and efforts helped to lay the foundation for the modern Pan-African movement.
In conclusion, Marcus Garvey’s message of black pride, self-reliance, and self-determination continues to resonate with people today. His vision of a united, independent Africa for people of African descent is as relevant today as it was in the early 20th century. Garvey’s ideas on economic empowerment and the creation of black-owned businesses continue to inspire those working to improve the lives of marginalized communities. Let us honor his legacy by continuing to strive for a world where all people, regardless of race, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.