Born 1887 in Jamaica Travelled in Latin America, worked with Ali

Duse Mohamed on African Times and Orient Review (1912-14)

In Jamaica, founded Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)

To New York in 1916 Gained a wide following over next several

years Eventually convicted of using the mails for

fraudulent means, imprisoned (1925), and deported (1927)

Died in Britain (1940)

Marcus Garvey

Acclaimed orator Parades,

conferences, newspaper (Negro World), steamship line, pageantry

Garvey and the UNIA

Black pride Emphasis on self-reliance and unity Survival of the fittest (reference to Native

Americans, Aborigines) History as cyclical Race the natural and primary way humanity is

organized “Africa for the Africans” “Back to Africa” movement

Ideas associated with Garvey

What is he talking about? Why? What is the

historical context for his speech? Why should this speech have been well-received?

Speech by Garvey, August 1, 1922

“African citizens” …if Negroes must be free then four hundred

millions of us must organize the world over and strike the blow for freedom, the freedom we desire

Unity of 400 million Africans

The new Negro desires Nationhood. We

believe if nationhood is good for the Anglo-Saxon race, if nationhood is good for the Anglo-American race, if nationhood is good for the Japanese race, for the Chinese race, or any other race in the world, then it is also good for this great black race of ours.

African nationhood

Lynching, peonage, etc. in USA, West Indies,

Central and South America, Africa We cannot afford to allow a continuation of

these crimes against our race. If we are four hundred million men, women and children…then we must either live as free men, or die as men fighting for the great and noble principle of human liberty.

400 million fighting for liberty

If white race does not stop exploiting others,

Africa will be scene of upheaval How long to you believe that four hundred

million Negroes will allow themselves to be exploited by alien races, robbed and murdered? Just so long until the truth is brought home to them, and then when the sleeping giant awakens, even like Samson he may bring down the pillars of the temple.

Africa as a sleeping giant

Believes in fellowship of races, nothing against

other races Until real peace, “it is the duty of every race

to protect itself. We cannot blame the great white race for

protecting itself, we shall not blame the great yellow race for protecting itself. And how are the protecting themselves?

Armies, navies

Self-protection

Human beings evil tempered, murder and

abuse one another The only protection against injustice in man is

power, power of every kind.

Power

Africans around the world oppressed Other races defending selves Unity of 400 million Africans

What does this add up to?