Marcus Garvey

This world-reknowned freedom fighter and Rasta prophet has fought for the upliftment of the African natives and diaspora virtually since his inception in St. Anne's Bay, Jamaica on August 17, 1887. This black nationalist leader was instrumental in and the catalyst for black defiance in America. Marcus Moziah Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1916, which attracted between 2 and 4 million followers. The UNIA stressed black repatriation, or returning to one's homeland, by encouraging that blacks in the West return to their roots and settle back in Africa. I have heard that Garvey even contacted several white supremacist groups in hopes of financing the repatriation of blacks to Africa, though his request was refused.

Garvey also encouraged economic independence from the white majority as a means of gaining self-respect. "Up you mighty race!" Garvey would shout as the UNIA's rallying cry to break blacks out of their complacency. Many of the ideals of the Garveyites would be professed again in the speeches of the Nation of Islam, the Black Panthers, etc. The teachings of Garvey were instrumental in shaping the beliefs of Malcolm X, whose preacher father was a Garveyite. Garvey himself was convicted in 1925 of mail fraud when trying to get his own business, the Black Starliner, off of the ground. Many reggae singers profess that the "Black Starliner must come," believing incorrectly that the steamship transportation company was designed to return blacks to Africa.

To Rastas, however, Garvey takes on legendary importance. Though many of the beliefs concerning Garvey are not substantiated by sources, it is a commonly held belief that before departing Jamaica, Garvey spoke and prophesied of a Black Redeemer who would come out of Africa. When Haile Selassie ascended the throne in November of 1930, it was like a dream come true. This is one main reason for the belief in Selassie's divinity. In fact, the Nyabinghi regard Marcus as a member of the Holy Trinity.

Marcus Garvey is primarily responsible for the black pride and black nationalism that arose during the rise of Rastafari in Jamaica. He is certainly venerated by all Rastas, and often receives praise in the works of many reggae singers, especially Burning Spear. On the 100th anniversary of Garvey's birth, Spear released a combination album of his "Marcus Garvey" and it's dub "Garvey's Ghost," entitling the combination LP "100th Anniversary" (above). The booklet reads, "Marcus Garvey's struggle against racism and colonialism have provided a platform for black pride and dignity." Amen.