Showing posts with label Biography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Biography. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

This Is for Everyone: The Unfinished Story of the World Wide Web

Berners-Lee, Tim. This Is for Everyone: The Unfinished Story of the World Wide Web. 2025. 400p. ISBN 9780374612467.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee is often considered the most influential inventor of the modern world. He stands apart from his contemporaries like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs because he chose to give his groundbreaking creation, the World Wide Web, away for free. This decision fueled its global adoption, transforming humanity into the first fully digital species that uses the web for everything from work and connection to quarreling and dreaming. In This is for Everyone, Berners-Lee recounts the origins of this iconic invention, tracing his journey from a young engineer at CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, where he conceived the astonishing idea of adding hyperlinks to the nascent Internet.

This is for Everyone not only tells the story of how the web launched an era of creativity and collaboration but also confronts the powerful, negative forces it unleashed, such as the imperilment of truth, threats to privacy, and the polarization of public discourse. Humor and candor to provide a gripping, insider's view of the digital world's rise. Furthermore, the book offers a vital guide for the future, presenting a crucial perspective on the risks and possibilities brought by artificial intelligence and showing how our digital lives can be reengineered for human flourishing rather than simply for profit or power.

This is a must-read for anyone interested in technology history and the origins of the Internet, offering a candid, first-hand account from the person who actually built the World Wide Web. Entrepreneurs and computer science students will find inspiration in his story of invention and his radical choice to forgo personal commercial gain for the greater good. Finally, readers who are concerned about digital ethics, privacy, and the impact of AI on society will appreciate Berners-Lee's vision for reforming the digital world.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Just Go: Turning Fear into a Superpower

Sakakibara, Saya. Just Go: Turning Fear into a Superpower. 2026. 336p. ISBN 


In the high-stakes world of elite athletics, Saya Sakakibara was a rising star destined for BMX greatness until a single moment shattered her confidence. After watching her brother, Kai, suffer a life-altering brain injury during a qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympics, the track transformed from a place of joy into a landscape of trauma. Haunted by the memory of her brother’s crash and burdened by her own history of six concussions, Saya makes the difficult decision to step away from the sport that defined her life. The safety she seeks in retirement, however, is complicated by the deep-rooted passion that still lingers beneath her fear.

Supported by her resilient family, including a brother who refuses to let his injury end his own athletic dreams, Saya begins a grueling mental and physical journey to reclaim her identity. She must navigate the delicate balance between the terrifying risks of BMX racing and the undeniable pull of the finish line. As she prepares to face the very obstacles that nearly broke her family, the pressure of the international stage looms larger than ever. With the world watching, will she be able to conquer the psychological scars of her past, or will the memory of the crash cause her to falter at the gate when it matters most?

Fans of sports biographies and inspirational memoirs will appreciate this book for its raw look at the psychological toll of professional competition. The narrative offers immense value to high school students by exploring themes of grit, sibling loyalty, and the importance of mental health in achieving personal goals. It serves as a compelling case study on how to process trauma while pursuing excellence under extreme pressure.

Monday, June 15, 2026

I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa

Brandt, Charles. I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa. 2004. 309p. ISBN 9781586420895.


Frank "the Irishman" Sheeran's story begins with the words, "I heard you paint houses," a mob euphemism for killing a man. In a series of interviews with author Charles Brandt, Sheeran confessed to having committed over twenty-five hits for the mob, including for his friend and powerful union leader, Jimmy Hoffa. Sheeran's deadly skills were honed during his time in the U.S. Army, where he served an astonishing 411 days in active combat in Italy during World War II.

After returning from the war, Sheeran began working for crime boss Russell Bufalino, eventually rising to such a prominent position that he was named by then-U.S. Attorney Rudy Giuliani as one of only two non-Italians on a list of 26 top mob figures. His ultimate act of loyalty, and survival, came when Bufalino ordered him to kill Hoffa. Sheeran carried out the murder, understanding that his refusal would have led to his own death. This account not only sheds light on the Hoffa mystery but also offers a rare and important look into a significant chapter of American criminal history.

Fans of crime story will enjoy reading Sheeran's life and learning about the inner workings of the Italian Mafia in the 1960s and 1970s.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

The Good Daughter: A Memoir of Losing my Father and Finding Home

Taguchi, Kumi. The Good Daughter: A Memoir of Losing my Father and Finding Home. 2025. 304p. ISBN 9781925750799.


Growing up, Australian broadcaster Kumi Taguchi perceived her Japanese father as a difficult, silent, and excessively frugal figure, who became largely absent after her parents' divorce when she was younger. Living with her Australian mother and despite attempts to sever their limited connection, Kumi found it impossible to deny this part of her identity. When her father passed away, her complex emotions about him and her Japanese heritage remained unresolved and tangled.

Over time, Taguchi began to understand the profound influences that shaped her father, particularly his harrowing experiences as a child during wartime Japan, and the cultural heritage that both captivated and burdened her. This led her to embark on a journey to Japan, seeking their family home in an effort to reconcile with her past and lay some ghosts to rest. This evocative exploration delves into Taguchi's internal conflicts—the tension between duty and freedom, her relationships, and the challenge of finding a sense of belonging between two distinct worlds—culminating in a candid and resonant narrative about self-acceptance.

Readers who want to learn more about what it is like navigating two very different worlds will appreciate Taguchi's story and what she learned in the process about her family, her ethnic heritage, and herself.

Friday, April 3, 2026

Mumming: A Year of Trying (and Failing) to Be a Better Parent

Vanstone, Victoria. Mumming: A Year of Trying (and Failing) to Be a Better Parent. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9780645858099.


Victoria Vanstone initially envisioned herself as the quintessential organized mom, but instead found herself becoming a parent who sometimes resorts to shouting and throwing things. Determined to bridge this gap between expectation and reality, Victoria commits to a year of personal and parental development.

Her year of self-improvement encompasses everything from enrolling in a parenting course and attempting an exercise routine to navigating the complex world of adult friendships and even taking a solo vacation away from her family. Through these varied and often failed experiments, Victoria discovers that imperfection is not only inevitable but can also be the source of joy and a path to a more fulfilling family life. 

Mumming is a heartwarming and side-splitting read that celebrates the messy, authentic, and often funny reality of parenting. This memoir offers a hilarious and deeply relatable look at one mother's journey to reinvent herself and her parenting style, often through a series of comical missteps. 

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Malcolm Lives!

Kendi, Ibram X. Malcolm Lives! 2025. 400p. ISBN 9780374311865.


Malcolm Lives! offers a compelling narrative biography of Malcolm X, meticulously crafted to trace his life from birth to death. Growing up poor, Malcom X's early life was shaped by the struggle against a racist American society. Malcolm turned to a life of crime and was eventually caught. In prison, Malcolm had the time to reflect and shape his views of the world. Upon his release, Malcolm joined the Nation of Islam and became its most prolific speaker. Malcolm Lives! provides crucial context for Malcolm's pivotal decisions and the actions of those around him, moving beyond a mere personal portrait to illuminate the intricate social and political landscape of America during the Civil Rights Movement. Malcolm's journey ultimately evolved towards a powerful commitment to anti-racism.

This groundbreaking work serves as a comprehensive and accessible resource, not only providing an intimate look at a hugely influential American figure but also revealing the broader historical forces that shaped his life and era. By presenting Malcolm's transformation and intellectual evolution within the context of the civil rights movement, Malcolm Lives! highlights that his enduring legacy is grounded in his ongoing growth and dedication to achieving a more just and equitable society.

Friday, February 20, 2026

Madame Brussels: The Life and Times of Melbourne's Most Notorious Woman

Minchinton, Barbara. Madame Brussels: The Life and Times of Melbourne's Most Notorious Woman. 336p. 2024. ISBN 9781760644932.


Born into a working-class Prussian family, Caroline ended up in Brussels as a teen and quickly married a British upper-class man. The couple left Europe and arrived in Melbourne in 1871, partly to gain a fresh start, and partly to avoid the opprobrium of his family. Left to her own devices when her police officer husband was stationed in remote Victoria, she ingeniously turned to operating brothels to support herself, likely drawing on her own experience in Brussels.
 
Her primary establishment, strategically located near Parliament House, quickly became a lavishly furnished haven catering to Melbourne's elite, showcasing her remarkable business acumen. She adeptly navigated Melbourne's economic landscape, flourishing during the boom of the 1880s, enduring the depression of the 1890s, and facing the moral panic of the 1900s. Her death in 1908 marked the end of an era for Melbourne, particularly regarding its stance on prostitution, which transitioned from tolerance to complete prohibition within her lifetime. 

Madame Brussels offers a compelling biography, reconstructing Madame Brussels' story, guiding readers through a fascinating and vibrant period of Melbourne's history in this significant biography of an Australian icon.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Ariise: Manifest the life you deserve

Marshall, Zoe. Ariise: Manifest the life you deserve. 2025. 239p. ISBN 9781761631344.


Ariise presents itself as a comprehensive guide to unlocking personal potential and manifesting abundance, going beyond typical self-help advice. Drawing on principles from psychology and neuroscience, the book offers actionable strategies for identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs. It aims to empower readers to take purposeful steps that align with their deepest desires, ultimately leading to personal growth, career advancement, and stronger relationships through what the author terms "co-creation."

The book's foundation is built upon the author's own journey of resilience and transformation. Having navigated significant adversity, including the loss of her mother and surviving an abusive relationship, she utilized the very techniques outlined in "Ariise" to build a meaningful and successful life as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur. Her personal story serves as a testament to the efficacy of harnessing the power of the mind for healing, self-empowerment, and the deliberate creation of a fulfilling existence.

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Knots in my Yo-Yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid

Spinelli, Jerry. Knots in my Yo-Yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid. 1997. 160p. ISBN 9780679887911.


Jerry Spinelli's autobiographical work offers a candid and engaging look into his formative years, spanning from his earliest memories to his high school experiences. Drawing on the same storytelling prowess that made his fictional works beloved, Spinelli recounts pivotal moments like his first kiss, his first fight, and his first encounters with authority. However, this is not just a chronicle of unique personal events; it's a relatable exploration of the awkward, emotional, and often humorous transitions of adolescence.

The memoir, much like Spinelli's fiction, resonates with readers due to its accessibility and universal themes. It captures the essence of growing up, with all its embarrassing, painful, and unexpectedly wonderful moments. The fast-paced and entertaining narrative makes it a highly readable experience, offering fans of all ages a deeper connection to the author and the experiences that shaped his writing.

Monday, November 3, 2025

Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope

Krosoczka, Jarrett. Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope. 2023. 240p. ISBN 9781338356328. Avaialble at B KRO on the library shelves.


Sunshine recounts the author's transformative experience as a high school camp counselor at Camp Sunshine, a haven for seriously ill children and their families. The camp bills itself as a space where individuals can find freedom from the constraints of their illnesses, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Initially apprehensive about the somber nature of the camp, Jarrett discovers a vibrant community brimming with resilience and hope. Instead of the expected despair, he encounters extraordinary children and dedicated counselors who face their challenges with unwavering determination. He participates in typical camp activities, from wilderness adventures to campfire stories, while also witnessing the profound impact of a safe and supportive environment on those facing life-altering illnesses.

Through his interactions with the campers and fellow counselors, Jarrett gains a deeper understanding of the struggles associated with chronic illness, but more importantly, he witnesses the power of human connection and the strength of the human spirit. Jarrett shares his personal journey, introducing readers to the remarkable individuals who profoundly influenced his life and reshaped his perspective on resilience and hope.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

The School That Escaped the Nazis: The True Story of the Schoolteacher Who Defied Hitler

Cadbury, Deborah. The School That Escaped the Nazis: The True Story of the Schoolteacher Who Defied Hitler. 2022. 464p. ISBN 9781541751194.


The School that Escaped the Nazis recounts the remarkable story of Anna Essinger, a German schoolteacher who recognized the imminent danger posed by the rise of Nazism in 1933. Foreseeing the devastating impact of Hitler's ideology on her students, Anna made the audacious decision to relocate her entire progressive school from Germany to England. This daring escape allowed her to safeguard her pupils from the impending horrors of the Nazi regime.

As the war intensified in Europe, Anna's school in Kent, England, provided refuge not only to her original students but also to orphaned children who had endured unimaginable suffering under Nazi persecution. Anna's unwavering commitment to offering love, security, and a brighter future for these traumatized children serves as a testament to her resilience and her unwavering belief in the power of compassion and human connection. 

This poignant historical account, drawing upon firsthand testimonies, letters, and diaries, offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of standing against hatred and violence.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

From Here

Mufleh, Luna. From Here. 2023. 320p. ISBN 9780593354452.

From Here book cover

Growing up gay can be challenging under most circumstances, but it is even more difficult as a Muslim woman. Luna Mufleh recounts her years as a child and teenager in Jordan, a conservative Muslim society, and she describes how she grappled with her sexuality, a concept that remained unspoken in her cultural context. Fear of rejection and potential violence forced her to conceal her true self, leading to a desperate yearning for escape. This desire culminated in her acceptance to a U.S. college and a subsequent application for political asylum, a decision that tragically severed ties with her family.

Finding herself alone and adrift as a refugee in America, Luma faced numerous hardships. However, with the support of newfound friends and the kindness of strangers, she gradually rebuilt her life, embracing her identity and forging a new sense of belonging. This journey of self-discovery ultimately led her to establish Fugees Family, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting refugee children in the United States. From Here is a poignant and inspiring memoir that explores the complexities of identity, the search for belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Peace is a Chain Reaction: How World War II Japanese Balloon Bombs Brought People of Two Nations Together

Stone, Tanya Lee. Peace is a Chain Reaction: How World War II Japanese Balloon Bombs Brought People of Two Nations Together. 2022. 176p. ISBN 9780763676865.

Peace Is a Chain Reaction: How World War II Japanese Balloon Bombs Brought People of Two Nations Together book cover

Yuzuru Takeshita had recently returned to the United States from Japan after spending a few years living with his grandparents when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and catapulted the United States into the Second World War. Despite being an American citizen and in violation of the Constitution, Takeshita was interned with his family in camps with over 120,000 Japanese Americans.  For more than three years, the family lived in cramped conditions and endured privations and the loss of their freedom. While in the camp, Takeshita earned his high school diploma and vowed to prevent another gross violation of the Constitution.

In Japan, high school students worked on the war effort. While boys were training and joining the military, girls worked in industries and manufactured weapons. Many girls joined the highly secret balloon program, designed to deliver explosives to the United States in reprisals for American bombings of Japanese cities. These girls crafted over 10,000 balloons released on Japan's western coast. Over five days, the balloons would drift high in the skies with the wind currents toward North America. 

An imprecise weapon, the balloons landed randomly. Many exploded harmlessly, others failed and did not explode. However, a pastor, his young wife, and several kids from the youth church group were out on a picnic in Bly, Oregon. They found a balloon that had crashed and not exploded. Because of military secrecy, Americans did not know about these Japanese balloons and therefore were not wearied. The bomb exploded, killing six, the only deaths suffered on the American mainland during the Second World War.

Coincidentally, Takeshita was internet only a few miles away from Bly when the bomb went off, but they never knew about this incident. It wasn't until the 1980s that Takeshita, now a sociology professor, heard of the balloon bombs. He worked tirelessly to connect the Japanese women who crafted the balloons to the survivors of Bly, to bring an understanding and to foster healing between the two. His efforts resulted in Japanese women coming to Bly and meeting with the survivors. His efforts demonstrated that humans can connect and foster peace, even in the face of historical trauma.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory

Sepetys, Ruta. You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory. 2023. 224p. 9780593524381.

Accomplished writer Ruta Sepetys shares her advice and tricks for successful writing. You: The Story is a valuable resource for aspiring writers, encouraging them to delve into their own memories and experiences to find authentic voices and compelling narratives. Sepetys, renowned for her historical fiction, masterfully weaves personal anecdotes into her writing advice, illustrating key concepts like plot development and character creation. Filled with insightful quotes, engaging prompts, and exercises, You: The Story inspires readers to explore their own stories.

Moreover, it is not just a technical guide; it's a deeply personal journey. Sepetys shares her own triumphs and setbacks, demonstrating that writing is a process of self-discovery and requires courage and perseverance. She emphasizes the importance of preserving memories and finding your unique voice. The book's accessible style and insightful reflections make it a valuable companion for writers at all levels, whether they are just starting out or seeking to refine their craft. You: The Story is a captivating read that encourages introspection and inspires action. It reminds readers that their life experiences are unique and have value. By exploring these experiences, they can unlock their own creative potential.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening

Shapiro, Ari. The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening. 2023. 256p. ISBN 9780063221345.

The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening book cover

In The Best Strangers in the World, NPR host Ari Shapiro delivers a moving collection of essays that serve as both a personal memoir and a heartfelt ode to the power of journalism. Shapiro transports readers around the globe using captivating narratives, recounting poignant encounters that range from heartwarming to heartbreaking. He shares intimate experiences, such as accompanying President Obama on Air Force One and tracing the harrowing journeys of Syrian refugees fleeing the Syrian Civil war. 

Shapiro's insightful reflections on his career as a journalist offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards of navigating an increasingly polarized world. The book underscores the crucial role of journalism in fostering understanding and promoting dialogue. By sharing his own experiences and observations, he invites the reader to engage more deeply with the world around them and to seek out meaningful connections with others, even those who may seem vastly different.

With a profound understanding of the divisive forces shaping our world, Shapiro emphasizes the importance of bridging divides and fostering empathy. He passionately advocates for active listening and finding common ground amidst our differences, reminding us of our shared humanity that transcends religion, nationality, and political affiliations. The Best Strangers in the World is a testament to Shapiro's unwavering commitment to "Considering All Things" and his dedication to sharing the stories that connect us all and serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of human connection and the transformative power of storytelling.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Aloha Wanderwell: The Border-Smashing, Record-Setting Life of the World's Youngest Explorer

Fink-Jensen, Christian and Randolph Eustace-Walden. Aloha Wanderwell: The Border-Smashing, Record-Setting Life of the World's Youngest Explorer. 2016. 425 p. ISBN 9780864928955.

Aloha Wanderwell: The Border-Smashing, Record-Setting Life of the World's Youngest Explorer book cover

In 1922, a rebellious 15-year-old French convent student, yearning for adventure, responded to an advertisement posted by an already famous explorer, for a traveling secretary. This audacious young woman soon became known to the world as Aloha Wanderwell. She possessed an uncanny confidence and a burning ambition. She wanted to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by car. 

Despite facing immense challenges, including scarce roads, a lack of gasoline stations, and a hostile world largely unfamiliar with automobiles, Wanderwell embarked on this audacious expedition. Equipped with a specially modified Model T Ford and working with a small crew, she traversed continents, encountering diverse cultures and personalities, from the Eiffel Tower to the Sphinx, from Mussolini to a Detroit ticker tape parade. By the age of 25, she had achieved international fame as a pilot, actress, peace advocate, and a pivotal figure in a captivating California murder mystery.

However, this extraordinary tale of global exploration harbors a significant secret. The celebrated Aloha Wanderwell was, in fact, Idris Hall, a Canadian woman who meticulously crafted a persona to fuel her adventurous spirit. Drawing upon a wealth of sources, including diaries, travel logs, films, photographs, and even declassified government documents, "Aloha Wanderwell" unveils the remarkable true story of this enigmatic explorer, revealing the astonishing life and daring exploits of one of the most audacious and captivating figures of the 1920s.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Hoops: A Graphic Novel

Tavares, Matt. Hoops: A Graphic Novel. 2023. 224p. ISBN 9781536201369. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Hoops: A Graphic Novel book cover

Inspired by a true story, Hoops tells how, in 1975, Judi and her friends joined the first ever girls basketball team, the Lady Bears, at their school as seniors. The passage of Title IX obligated school districts to offer similar sports for boys and girls, so for the first time basketball was opened to all. Judi, who unlike her friend Stacy had always wanted to join the basketball team instead of being a cheerleader, participated in the first tryouts. Without a coach at first, 8 girls practiced despite obvious disparities, such as the lack of training time in their own gym, no uniforms, no busses, and no laundry service. 

As the team started to win, more and more fans started showing up to watch their home games. A sponsorship ensured the games would be broadcasted on the radio, and the enthusiasm built as the team headed into the finals tournament with an undefeated record. Despite being behind, the Lady Bears win the local and regional tournaments and head to Indianapolis for the state championship, which ends with Judi scoring the winning basket to deliver victory and a state title to the school's first ever girls basketball team.

During the season, the girls fought against inequity, requesting similar accommodations tot he boys. Eventually, the girls received a bus for transportation, which was used by their fans as they continued using their RV. The athletic director acknowledged he was wrong when he did not provide laundry services. And all of the team members of the Lady Bears became hometown heroes, blazing a path for girls to participate in organized sports.

Warmly illustrated with beautiful colors, this fast-spaced sports story demonstrates that dedication and persistence can in fact change hearts and an entire culture for the better. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Hope by Terry Fox

Adhiya, Barbara. Hope by Terry Fox. 2024. 328p. ISBN 9781770416819.

Hope by Terry Fox book cover

For most Canadians, one of their best known fellow Canadian is Terry Fox, a young man who was struck with cancer in 1977 when he was 18, and who lost a leg in the process of attempting to save his life. Terry Fox lives in the imagination of the country as a symbol of resilience and courage. But who was Terry Fox, and what motivated him to raise funds for the fight against cancer by crossing the country from east to west and running a marathon every day with an artificial leg?

An athletic individual, Terry was light hearted and always saw the positive in people and events. A diagnosis of cancer did not change his outlook on life, and he refused to succumb to despair. After the shock of losing his leg, Terry relearned to walk. During these sessions, he started planning for a cross-country trip as a way to channel his energy and communicate with people why this was important. 

Starting in Newfoundland, Terry began his Marathon of Hope in relative obscurity, but as word spread out, and people became more aware, huge crowds lined the streets to see him go by. Millions of dollars were contributed for cancer research, and the news coverage reached every corner of the country. Through his unwavering determination to defeat cancer, Terry caught the hearts of Canadians, and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Canadians to live.

Though his cancer eventually forced him to stop short his cross-country race, Terry's efforts continued to live on in multiples of events every year, including races across the country and around the world, to raise more funds for cancer research, and to honor the memory of a great Canadian!

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Maybe an Artist

Montague, Liz. Maybe an Artist. 2022. 176p. ISBN 9780593307816. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.


Growing up, Liz always knew she was different from the rest of her family. Her two sisters were academically inclined, were amazing readers, and even better athletes. But for Liz, reading was hard, her parents' expectations were crushing, and school was not her thing. Liz loved to draw, but being an artist was not a possibility she could envision, because artists generally starve and don't make a career out of their art. 

But she was good at art, and could use the medium to effectively communicate with friends and family. Growing up African-American in a relatively white New Jersey was difficult, but not as much as it was for the Muslim students at her school following 9/11 and the wave of terrorism worries that swept the country. Through it all, Liz had to learn what she really wanted for herself. 

Exploring Liz's life from elementary school to college and beyond, Maybe an Artist is a process of discovery and exploration. Now a successful artist who has published in the New Yorker and elsewhere, Liz's story is inspiring and shows that with effort and dedication, one can reach their goal.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

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.