MARCUS ``MOSIAH`` GARVEY
MARCUS ``MOSIAH`` GARVEY
Marcus Garvey’s Legend, its Influence, Accomplishments, and Effects on the Rastafarian Movement and Reggae Musicians
"A race without authority and power is a race without respect."
Marcus Mosiah Garvey
Marcus Mosiah Garvey was a man that lived a life with a mission. Although his
journey may have seemed impossible, his never-ending strength and dedication
caused many people’s dreams and wishes to become realities. Garvey is considered
a prophet by his followers, because of the inspiration he brought to the black
race. He took a group of people that thought they had no place in this world and
united them together which gave them pride in their race. He also had a
tremendous affect on the creation of Rastafarianism. Even though he could not
find enough support for his movement to succeed in Jamaica, Garvey gave Rasta’s
the guidance they needed to rise above their oppressors which led them to create
a movement for the black race in Jamaica. When Marcus Mosiah Garvey passed away
his words were not forgotten. His message is still alive in reggae music and his
actions have greatly impacted the black race.
Marcus Garvey brought inspiration to many and spoke of many people’s dreams and
desires. He led the largest black movement in all of history, although there
were many obstacles he had to overcome to successfully create the change he
imagined. Marcus Garvey was born in Jamaica, on August 17, 1887, in the little
town of St. Anne’s Bay. He grew up in a family that had a very strong sense of
closeness and unity, similar to most Jamaican families. He watched his father
stand up for himself at all costs whenever he was struggling. This atmosphere
encouraged Marcus to pursue his goals and not let anything stand in his way.
This is how he found the courage to succeed in life, even if the color of his
skin could hinder his success. Marcus expressed to his followers that the color
of their skin signified a glorious symbol of national greatness. He brought hope
to many people’s lives. (Cronon, pg.4-6)
When Marcus was fourteen he had to drop out of school and get a job to help
support his family financially. He got a job in Kingston, Jamaica at a printing
press with his godfather. This taught Marcus the printing trade and many
journalistic techniques that helped him out later on in life. By the time Marcus
was twenty he became a master printer and got the stimulation to start
organizing public meetings in favor of his fellow workers. This started his life
as an orator. He also developed the speaking skills he needed in order to uplift
a group of people that felt they had no opportunities in society. Through these
public meetings and encouragement from a well-educated Negro, Dr. Love, Marcus
realized that he had the chance to improve the life of black workers. This is
when he realized he had to devote his life to establishing a program to
enlighten all black people of their opportunities in this world. (Cronon,
pg.11-14)