MARCUS ``MOSIAH`` GARVEY                                    

                                         "A race without authority and power is a race without respect."

Garvey, then went to Costa Rica where he anticipated making enough money to come back to Jamaica and start his organization. But he continued to travel and went to Limon, Panama, and London were he established a few newspapers and saw the conditions of black people in various places. In 1914, Garvey came home to Jamaica and was ready to start his program and liberate his race. Garvey was determined that the black man would not continue to be kicked about by all the other races and nations of the world, and a new world of black men, not peons, serfs, dogs, and slaves, but a nation of sturdy men making their impress upon civilization and causing a new light to dawn upon the human race. (Cronon, 16)

With these motives Garvey entitled his organization the Universal Negro Improvement and Conservation Association and African Communities League. He wanted to bring the black race together and show the people how to have race pride and love. (Cronon, pg.14-16)

In Jamaica, Garvey started his movement but did not find the support he wished for from the black community. Many black people disliked him, because they did not want to classify themselves as Negro’s. Ironically in Jamaica his largest supporters were white, they wanted to better the life of the Negro’s in Jamaica. This did not discourage Garvey and he decided to see if could receive more support for his program in the United States. He wrote to the founder of the Tuskegee Institute and received an eager invitation to come to the United States to share their ideas. He went to the United States on March 23, 1916, hoping to seek help from Booker T. Washington, but by the time Garvey got to the United States Washington passed away. (Cronon, pg. 18-20)

When Garvey got to New York, he found many Negro Americans were eager to hear what he had to say, because he got there at a time when there were not many opportunities for black people. There was an enormous difference in the reaction of the Negro’s in Jamaica and the United States, but Garvey saw the conditions in both countries to be the primary reason. It was just at the end of World War I and many people in the United States did not have any way to improve their life. As well with the abolishment of slavery, there was an increase in mobility out of the South. (Cronon, pg. 21-22) Marcus was a powerful radical black leader that many found inspiring to follow. He established the Negro World, newspaper so he could express his ideas and philosophies; Garvey’s motto was "One God, One Aim, One Destiny." Garvey also set off to establish his international organization, which he knew, would rise. The U.N.I.A (Universal Negro Improvement Association.) was founded in 1917 and contained 2,000 members within three weeks. (Cronon, pg.43, 46-46)

The U.N.I.A. was established so Marcus could promote his famous slogan "Africa for the Africans," and encourage his back to Africa movement. Garvey’s organization was growing at such a large pace. He was even traveling around the United States to further branch out the association. The Negro’s World carried news that spread the activities of the U.N.I.A. to many people; this helped keep the organization together and efficient. The newspaper encouraged the subscribers and let them express their ideas on various issues, if they wanted to mail in an article it was accepted and appreciated. (Clarke pg.9)

 

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