Marcus Garvey: Black Nationalist

Caravantes, Peggy. Marcus Garvey: Black Nationalist. Part of the Notable Americans series. 2003. 128p. ISBN 9781931798143. Available at B GAR on the library shelves.

Born in Jamaica in 1887, Garvey was the eleventh children of a family that had middle class aspirations but always struggled to get by. Experiencing racism at an early age when a friend's parents forbade them to play with a Black boy, Garvey dedicated his life to fight for Black people everywhere. Pursuing his education, Garvey gained an appreciation for the plight of Black people around the world. Colonial powers in Africa were oppressing Black majorities. Attitudes in the United States considered African-Americans to be second class citizens. Garvey determined to promote Black nationalism and a return to Africa where Black people could be leaders and serve in independent countries.

Having seen the plight of Black people in Jamaica and Panama, Garvey articulated a consciousness of race that appealed to Blacks, but he found himself blocked by British colonial authorities from effecting any meaningful change. Garvey moved to the United States, where he hoped to pursue the struggle. There he founded UNIA, an organization designed to unite Blacks and promote Black leadership and ownership, as well as a return to the African continent.

Over the years, projects such as purchasing a shipping line, building infrastructure in Liberia, and promoting projects led by Blacks increased Garvey's status, but also brought along enemies. Differences in ideologies and in political aims caused a split in the UNIA, and Garvey found himself behind bars before being released and removed from the United States.

Garvey pursued the struggle from Jamaica and Britain, but was never able to reestablish prominence among Black leaders. Facing personal and professional difficulties, Garvey died in London in 1940, and his body was finally returned to Jamaica in 1964, where he was acclaimed as a hero.