Garveyism and Contemporary Society

Define Garveyism

 

Garveyism is the teachings and activities surrounding the Marcus Garvey. This aspect of Black Nationalism also refers to the social, economic and political policies of UNIA-ACL founder Marcus Garvey.

The role of Garveyism-an excerpt from the Introduction to Caribbean Politics

Garveyism had tremendous philosophical importance in the 1930's. The central theme of Garvey's teaching was black nationalism and the need for blacks to get political power. He argued that the lack of political power had created a situation of social, economic and cultural deprivation in the black diaspora. Garvey's emphasis on race in the context of the 1920's can be viewed as an important philosophical and intellectual input into the 1930s movement. An important component of the demands of the Nationalist movement was the liberation of the West Indian masses, which owed much to the teachings of Marcus Garvey. It is important to note however, that though the Moyne Commission attempted to marginalise the race question, race and racism was a fundamental cause of the disturbances.

These other dynamic affecting labour conditions in the British West Indies, that is, the emergence of Black Nationalism and the onset of the Great Depression of 1929 among other factors, spawned numerous political parties and trade unions such as the Marcus Garvey's People Political Party.

Garvey's Philosophy

Because of the various social, economic and political conditions that Blacks were enduring. Garvey came up with three main philosophies. They were Self-Reliance, Racial Pride and Anti-Colonialism.

Racial Pride

Marcus Garvey believe that Black people should see beauty in themselves. As a people they should write their own literature and critically reads the white's man literature. He admonished Blacks to search their roots and find where they belong, create their own Black art and appreciate their own form of music, drama and poetry to advances themselves. Blacks must eliminate the dependence on whites, advancing like they do but not trying to be like they are. 

Self-Reliance

Garvey was a firm believer in Backs being educated and being their own bosses. He rejected the idea of Blacks answering to Whites and wanted Black people to becoming entrepreneur, own businesses and employ their own people. In other words, Blacks should govern Blacks.

 Anti-colonialism

Marcus Garvey believe in freedom from European rule and advocated for repatriation. He believe in Self-Government for Black People. 

To what extent has Garvey's philosophy influenced political and social development in Jamaica.

Marcus Garvey was a Marxist. He believe that the Blacks should not sit and take hand downs from the Whites (Cultural Imperalism).

Political

• His ideas strengthened democracy
• Garvey advocated for independence even when Colonialism was entrenched in Jamaica
• Founded his first political party before Universal Adult Suffrage
• Advocated for Self Government (Black Government & Nationalism) 

Social

• Taught Blacks to be proud of Colour and culture
• Promoted and developed leadership capacity in Blacks including women.
• Established the UNIA; group had international prominence and impact.

Ideas contributed to the development of Rastafarianism

In Jamaica, many Rastafarians look at him as a king.

Influence: Reggae, Music, Orthodox Church (Ethiopia).

Liberty Hall in America named after him.

There is a course at the University of the West Indies on Garveyism.

Garvey's contribution to other areas

• Garvey formed the 1st political party, the People Political Party. He was a counselor for St. Andrew. He missed three (3) consecutive meetings and so he lost his position. 
• The communication media used by Garvey to get his ideas across to people were: newspaper, speeches.
• Organizations used by Garvey to mobilize the people locally and internationally.
• The People Political Party
• The Universal Negro Improvement Association
• The Black Cross Regiment