As African Americans, according to Nielsen, approach $1 trillion in consumer buying power in a sea of high unemployment, record prison incarcerations rates and persistent racism, it's important that we take a close look at one of the greatest Black men in history, who came very close to showing us for a short period of time the way to a better future by getting us to believe and trust one another and pool our resources.
Its important that we understand the intentional obstacles within
and without that caused his demise. His powerful story is as relevent for Black people today as it was then. The message that he left us is not one of failure, but one of triumpth in showing Black people worldwide what's possible when you share a vision and are willing to work toward a common goal.
Marcus Garvey (1887 - 1940)
Garvey was a Jamaican-born black nationalist who created a 'Back to Africa' movement in the United States. He became an inspirational figure for later civil rights activists.
Marcus Garvey was born in St Ann's Bay, Jamaica on 17 August 1887, the youngest of 11 children. He inherited a keen interest in books from his father, a mason and made full use of the extensive family library. At the age of 14 he left school and became a printer's apprentice where he led a strike for higher wages. From 1910 to 1912, Garvey travelled in South and Central America and also visited London.
He returned to Jamaica in 1914 and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). In 1916, Garvey moved to Harlem in New York where UNIA thrived. By now a formidable public speaker, Garvey spoke across America. He urged African-Americans to be proud of their race and return to Africa, their ancestral homeland and attracted thousands of supporters.
To facilitate the return to Africa that he advocated, in 1919 Garvey founded the Black Star Line, to provide transportation to Africa, and the Negro Factories Corporation to encourage black economic independence. Garvey also unsuccessfully tried to persuade
Listen carefully to the connection that J. Egar Hoover had with Garvey and MLK. Garvey held Black women of all shades on a pedestal. Garvey belived in Black History, Back Pride and Black Beauty. Also listen to the connection between Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey.
It is important that we know our history so we can correct the lies, connect the dots and and take committed steps to control our economic future.
Garvey knew that unless Blacks change how we think about ourselves then our social and economic condition will never change.
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