Marcus Garvey

Date of Birth: August 17, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 10, 1940

Biography

Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr. was a prominent Jamaican political leader, publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, and orator. Born on August 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Garvey was a staunch advocate for Black nationalism and pan-Africanism. He is best known for founding the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL), aimed at unifying and empowering people of African descent worldwide. Garvey’s work laid the foundation for the civil rights movement and inspired subsequent generations of Black leaders. Garvey received his early education in Jamaica and later moved to Costa Rica, Panama, and the United States, where he held various jobs, including as a printer and editor. His travels exposed him to the harsh realities of racism and colonialism, which fueled his desire to fight for Black liberation. In 1914, he founded the UNIA-ACL and later established the Negro World newspaper, which became a powerful platform for spreading his ideas. Garvey’s vision included the establishment of a Black-governed nation in Africa. He launched the Black Star Line, a shipping company intended to facilitate trade and transport between Africa and the Americas, although it faced significant financial and operational difficulties. Despite these challenges, Garvey’s influence grew, and he became a symbol of Black pride and self-reliance. Garvey’s activism brought him into conflict with authorities, and in 1923, he was convicted of mail fraud related to the Black Star Line. He was imprisoned and later deported to Jamaica. Despite these setbacks, Garvey continued to promote his vision until his death on June 10, 1940, in London, England.

5 Interesting Facts about Marcus Garvey

1. Marcus Garvey was the first Black man to establish and lead a mass movement dedicated to African self-determination.

2. The UNIA-ACL claimed millions of members across the globe at its peak in the 1920s.

3. Garvey’s philosophy of “Garveyism” heavily influenced the Rastafari movement.

4. He is considered a national hero in Jamaica, where his birthday is celebrated as a public holiday.

5. Garvey was posthumously pardoned by the Jamaican government in 1987, clearing his name of the mail fraud charges.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marcus Garvey

1. “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

2. “Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will.”

3. “The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.”

4. “If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.”

5. “Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Marcus Garvey’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but his influence and the scale of his movement suggest he was a significant figure in the early 20th century.