Category: Marcus Garvey

Marcus Garvey was an important black leader and organizer of the Pan-Africanism movement, which sought to unify and connect black people from all over the world towards a common cause. He faced much difficulties throughout his lifetime, including being imprisoned and also survived multiple assassination attempts. Throughout his life, Garvey encountered much unethical and social problems such as Marxism, Racism and Neo-Colonialism. These issues not only affected him but it also had lasting effects on black race. Based on the novel Marcus Garvey by Rupert Lewis, it is seen that blacks have been in a persistent power struggle for wealth, privilege and opportunities among the different classes of stratification throughout the world. Marxism is a theory which comprises of aspects related to history, economics and politics. It has its origin from Karl Marx, a founding father of sociology and to a lesser extent Fredrick Engles. This theory studies and analyses the relationship between classes and social conflict. Furthermore, racism was a dominant factor during slavery and still occurred even after it was abolished. It was used as a driving factor to perpetuate abuse and a false collective consciousnesses of inferiority in the African race. Additionally, the idea of neo-colonialism speaks to the fact that although a state appears to be independent and is able to exercise its sovereignty, in reality, their economic, cultural and political process is influenced by external sources such as other more powerful states.

Firstly, the theory Marxism is highly prevalent in the text Marcus Garvey, and examples of this doctrine are highlighted extensively. “Garvey’s historical 1929 manifesto of the People’s Political Party…The program summed up briefly and clearly the major economic, political, legal and educational demands for working class people and middle classes” (Lewis 64). These demands were underscored by Garvey because the working- and middle-class people were being suppressed and needed to gain access to economic resources, education and legal rights. In this time period, the legal system favored the white capitalist who controlled most of the essential resources that the blacks needed to elevate and integrate themselves within the society. Karl Marx posited that the working class would rise up and overthrow the bourgeoise and form a Communist society where everyone will have equal resources, privileges and opportunities. This idea has been reiterated by Monroe who highlights that many European and Caribbean sociologist believed in communism but a successful communist society has not been formed yet. However, the general approach taken by European sociologists cannot be used to fully investigate the Caribbean, especially Jamaica. (Monroe pg 13) This is so because of the political structure of Jamaica as well as the formulation of unions which were formed to help mitigate the constant struggle between classes within the Caribbean society.

It is also important to note that the consciousness of the society can be derived from those at the top of the pyramid in society. The rejection of the Rastafarian movement (counter culture) can be viewed as society outright rejecting their views and ideas and not accepting their lifestyle. It is the collective consciousness within a society that decides what is accepted and rejected. (Carlton Chinapoo Norma James Maureen Lee-Paisley) However, it should be noted that persons in different levels of society will have varying views and level of influence on how deal with the movement. The general accepted assumption of persons following the movement is that they were criminals and outlaws. This would then lead to the segregation of the Rastas from other persons in society and would also lead to widespread discrimination and oppression of the movement as a whole. Many Rastafarians were killed and treated unfairly in the eyes of the law because of the rejection of their religion. It was the “PNP leader Michael Manley, its new leader whom established a more inclusive agenda: courtship of Rastafarianism, the weathervane of the new radical politics, economic nationalism, a fighting stance against foreign capital, and a noticeable if indirect attack on color. By 1974 the PNP, spurred on by this new politics and certain international events (the rise of Third Worldism, for example), declared Jamaica a democratic socialist state-an imprecisely defined agenda (‘neither capitalist nor socialist’) that, however, shared much, at least rhetorically, with Marxism-Leninis.” (The Light That Failed? Short Circuits in Caribbean Marxism Keith pg. 4). The conflict theory that was originally created by Marx cannot be used in today’s society because changes occurred and now social mobility is a reality for many. It can be said that Marxism illustrates a lucrative way to look at the roots of the repercussions imposed on Blacks after the abolition of slavery throughout the world, however many scholars have updated theories for it to be able to be utilized and analyzed in present society.

Secondly, racism plays a pivotal part in understanding the challenges that blacks had to overcome. Racism is a constant theme throughout the text and this highlights the degree to which blacks experienced discrimination. It appeared in several forms and showcased the varying effects it had on the life of blacks. According to The Racial Contract by Charles Mills, racism is “the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races (The Racial Contract Mills). Marcus Garvey faced much discrimination and injustice throughout his life and thus sought to create a space where this issue could be addressed and hopefully eradicated. This is echoed by Stein (1940) who posited – “Garvey saw that his fellow black races were victims of racism and racial crime and sorted out to amend this by fashioning the UNIA in America to promote social, economic, and freedom for black people.” (Stein) Racism stems from the preconceived notion that certain races are superior to others and thus should be presented with better treatment and opportunities. This, however, created a long-lasting division within the human race and to this day is still crippling society.

Racism can further be fragmented into systemic racism which occurs in situations where groups or organizations have rules in place that seems fair but is actually making the situation more difficult for a person with a different ethnicity or cultural background. Pan-Africanism was a mechanism that helps in giving black people a voice, community and a space to be themselves and not be discriminated against. This movement sought to strengthen bonds between persons of African descent and encouraged brotherhood and togetherness among all, especially in a time where blacks were heavily judged and victimized. This is reiterated in the World of Marcus Garvey written by Judith Stein (pg. 7) – “Pan-Africanism is the ideology that freed Garvey from the provincial politics of Jamaica it was a complex and imprecise set of racial beliefs joined to defend and advance black equality and progress.”

As stated in the text, The Declaration of Rights of the Negro People of the World; a comprehensive program for African political, economic and cultural emancipation was drafted in 1920 but was the terms were not politically fulfilled until the twentieth century. This program was chaired by Marcus Garvey who said “because of the intensity of racism many of the delegates had to register their manes anonymously because if they had openly made them self-know their life’s and freedom would be in jeopardy. The sole purpose of this convention was to set out the inhumane conditions faced by black people globally and claimed the right which were to be claimed and fought for.” (Marcus Garvey Lewis pg. 22) However, structural racism ensured that it was impossible for a black man to rise up to the top of the society where most whites were already at. This is seen in early 19th century where the governing body of the U.S.A. and West Indies colonies were white delegates and the legal system favored the whites. Particularly, in the US there were several race riots caused by structural racism even mutiny in the military regime, but most noticeable was Red Summer. As stated in the World of Marcus Garvey, the Ku Klux Klan’s (KKK) sole purpose was to crush negros and they acted as an invisible government of America. (Lewis) The riots can be explained by the conflict theory developed by Karl Marx, the lower class would eventually raise up causing a revolution which would lead to a communist society. “Klansmen and Klanswomen were deeply concerned with promoting the supremacy of their race, members of the KKK had their foot hold in the governing body of the country an were influential in national politics.” (Structural Incentives for Conservative Mobilization: Power Devaluation and the Rise of the Ku Klux Klan, 1915-1925 McVeigh) Invisible racism is a form of racism that may not directly harm people and those who engage in it may not even be aware of it. As mentioned by Huge Douse the generation that was born in slavery grew up in a society where blacks were seemed inferior to whites and this stemmed from racism in the European colonies. “Racial groups such as the KKK amassed many white flowers because of invisible racism and the fact that many Americans were bigots.” (Structural Incentives for Conservative Mobilization: Power Devaluation and the Rise of the Klu Klux Klan, 1915-1925 McVeigh)

Lastly, as mentioned in the Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism by Kwame Nkrumah, “neo-colonialism of today represents imperialism in its final and perhaps its most dangerous stage.” This showcases that neo-colonialism has the same damaging effects as colonialism, if not worse. For practicing states, it means power without responsibility and for those who suffer from it means exploitation without redress. The industrious and capitalist countries exploited developing nations and even tried to pit them against each other. (NKRUMAH) Garvey was heavily affected and faced challenges when travelling with his wife as they were denied visa entries to visit other Caribbean countries. This was due to fear of Garvey’s influence and the fact that if he had succeeded in spreading his message, the European countries would lose their strong hold unto these Caribbean states. European leaders even went as far as to discredit his work and message, due to the aforementioned fear of his influence.

Nkrumah (1965) also states that “Neo-colonialism is based upon the principle of breaking up former large united colonial territories into a number of small non-viable states which are incapable of independent development and must rely upon the former imperial power for defense and even internal security.” This is seen in the example of European states successfully “neo-colonizing” states within Africa. The constant treat of communism meant that the structure of the colonies could change and the colonization would not last. This is highlighted in the line “warnings about the dangers of communist sub notice of those living under a neo-colonialist system the possibility of a change of regime.” Marx had argued that the development of capitalism would produce a crisis within each individual capitalist state because within each state the gap between the haves and the have nots would widen to a point where conflict was inevitable and that it would be the capitalist who would be ultimately defeated. (NUSTAPHA) The basis of this argument is not invalidated by the fact that the conflict, which he predicted as a national one, did not everywhere take place on a national scale but has been transferred instead to the world stage. Leopold Sedar Senghor has bitterly accused France of balkanizing Africa in the Lio-Cadre. Guinea was the only state to vote against the Constitution, with all the other states becoming autonomous republic members of the Franco-African Community. Fearing others would follow the lead of Guinea, France essentially removed the essences of the country that made it what it was. In this case, it showcases the ruthlessness of the more powerful countries and the extent that they would go to, to protect themselves in the end.

The researcher appreciated the style of writing and organization of key historical events through Marcus Garvey life. However, the researcher believes that adequate information about crucial events that was set in motion by the action of Garvey such as the Rastafarian movement which drew inspiration from Garvey. The researcher also believe that the book was too focus on Garvey’s life in the USA, Rupert Lewis also failed to recognized that Europeans used neo-colonialism to segregate Africa and the USA failed to indirectly take over states within the Caribbean. He also over looked Michael Manley who was a socialist leader who was incremental in the development of Jamaica and to some extent the Rastas the problems associated with communism brought to Jamaica.

Throughout his life, Garvey encountered much unethical and social problems such as Marxism, Racism and Neo-Colonialism. Marxism is a social theory coined by Karl Marx that can be used to examine conflict in a society based on socio economic patterns. The original theory can’t be used in today’s society however sociologist have updated the theory to satisfy their regions. Racism is a doctrine where people of specific race believe that their race is superior to another race, it can be fragmented into structural and invisible racism. The practice of racism brought about much unrest and conflict throughout the world. Both Structural and invisible racism is still a part of our present society. Some racist action may no directly harm an individual however it is imbedded into people that they actually think it is right and accepted it as a norm. Neo-colonialism is the direct/indirect exploitation of resources within developing countries from former colonizer’s or other industrial countries. This is the last stage of imperialism and is very dangerous since the sates most often breaks up the region so they are weaker and forced them in the position where they are depending on the state. IT is important to be noted that the former colonizers where capitalist states. The European countries and emerging mother countries such as the USA were relentless and ruthless in exploiting other developing countries. The after slavery were very difficult to overcome unfortunately, we have move on but the same problems are manifested in a different way today.

References

1. Carlton Chinapoo Norma James Maureen Lee-Paisley. Cape Sociology. Person Education Limited , n.d.
2. Chino, Takahiro. ‘Journal of World Philosophies.’ IS Western Marxism Western?The case of Gramsic and toaska (n.d.): 5-14.
3. Klein, hubert S. Slevaery in The Americas. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1967. Book.
4. Lewis, Rupert. MARCUS GARVEY. kingstown: The UNiversity of the West Indies Press, 2018.
5. McVEIG, RORY. ‘Structural Incentives for Conservative Mobilization.’ Power Devaluation and the Rise of the Ku Klux Klan, 1915-1925* (2018): 1-20. journal. 2 November 2018.
6. mills, Charles. The Racial Contract. cornell university press, n.d. book.
7. NKRUMAH, KWAME. NEO-COLONALISM The Last Stage of Imperialism. london: Panaf Books Limited, 1965. 29 October 2018.
8. NUSTAPHA, NASSER. SOCIOLOGY FOR CARIBBEAN STUDENTS. IAN RANDLE, 2013.
9. Stein, Judit. The World of Marcus Garvey. Louisiana, 1986. Document.

Ever since the African descended peoples of the world were given their relative freedom from slavery, there has been major discourse over how this newfound liberty should be maintained. Especially in America, where the reformation era was one of the most liberating times to have darker skin pigmentations, ideas of how to keep the African American community socially and legally equal to white Americans would converge in some areas, particularly in the idea of black communities coming together, and diverge in others, in regard to how these communities should interact with others. Some of the more notable black political figures in the years following the abolition of slavery would vary greatly, from optimistic hopes of full integration to the more pessimistic black separatism.

Of course, in a racially charged south, the only real way for a black man to get recognized is if he ‘preached’ to the southern white ‘choir’; as in, he speaks on matters that agree to their preexisting, racist beliefs. In trying to appeal to this, Booker T. Washington tried to appeal this through thinly veiled sarcasm, while also suggesting that the white people in this region should not only accept that there are now black communities in this land but also integrate with and invest in them, as a way to boost both local economies. Considering how mistrusting and how quick to thoughtless violence against minorities the white majority of this region were at the time, one can easily see the shortcomings of this train of thought.

One of Booker T. Washington’s contemporaries, W.E.B. DuBois, was quick to make evident the flaws in Washington’s theories, and juxtapose them with his own. In particular, DuBois would criticize the notion that the larger white community would be as openly supportive as the former would hope; over a century later, and we still haven’t gotten to that point. Instead of aiming for the prospect of integration, DuBois proposes that the black communities come together to advance socially by their own merit and effort, and to rise from the depravities he witnessed in them, laziness, gambling, and criminal behavior. One of the main problems with his theory is that the latter part has been shaped by racial stereotypes, and propagated by the aforementioned white majority; this, in and of itself, is indicative of the fact that many of this white majority have done their best to make themselves appear to be more advanced by holding back the black communities from getting the recognition they deserve for their contributions to society.

Many political ideas spread throughout nations, with the sole aim of unifying black people and liberating them from post-emancipation struggles. The black population, although free was still not considered a legitimate part of society by their white counterparts, which caused many movements to form in support of unifying black people. During this time, there were many ideas on how the black community could survive post-slavery by various black intellectuals. The most prominent leaders were Marcus Garvey and Dubois. Both men believed in Pan Africanism; the unification of all people of African descent within the diaspora. However, both men had different views on how to overcome post-slavery struggles while still maintaining the connection to their roots, Africa. DuBois strongly believed in integration; a society where black Americans and white Americans could coexist and have equal rights only if black Americans proved themselves to be more than what the white men thought of them; slaves. He believed that if there were ten intellectuals, “talented ten” who can be successful and be leaders in the all-white world, they can pave way for the rest of the black people in the United States. Garvey, on the other hand, believed in helping the mass instead of focusing on just the intellects. He believed that people of African descent can unite and only flourish if they stopped trying to please the white man and focused their intellect on trying to improve Africa by physically moving into the continent. In his work, Philosophy, and Opinions, he explains how every race had its place in the world. By the Divine Creator, the white man was given Europe, the “yellow” man, Asia and black people belonged to Africa, (Garvey 32). Garvey supported the reconstruction of black societies and the promotion of black trade with his business, the Black Star Line. Although he had some complications with some of his ideas, he worked to unify the black community internationally and also to improve upon their struggles.

From gaining freedom to being racially segregated, African Americans have been systematically oppressed for such a long time. From the end of the nineteenth century through the first third of the twentieth century, African Americans rose over their oppression and coped with their difficulties by reconnecting to Africa which promoted unity amongst all black people across the continent. Either through religion, politics, or art, African Americans were able to reclaim their identity and know their rights as equal members of society.

Poverty became rampant in black communities due to wage disparities between blacks and whites. Garvey noticed this and used his extraordinary personality to convince African Americans to start investing in black owned businesses after arriving in America. Garvey’s poetic words of nationalism and back-to-Africa aspirations made these capitalistic economic investments possible. Garvey was successful in raising substantial sums of money to invest in high-risk projects.

Garvey hoped to achieve economic self-sufficiency for African Americans through capitalism. He believed that having financial independence will protect African Americans from discrimination and that they could pursue other political and social goals after establishing a strong economic foundation (Fierce 1972). Garvey wanted blacks to create their own economic institutions through the Universal Negro Improvement Association. This included racial enterprises such as the Black Star Line and the Negro Factories Company. When the U.N.I.A. was established, Garvey focused on opening a variety of businesses in black communities across the country that would employ black men and women, reducing black unemployment and allowing them to develop local self-sufficiency. The Black Star Line (BSL) was a steamship company founded by Marcus Garvey in 1919.

The name was inspired by the White Star Line, a British luxury steamship line. The Black Star Line (BSL), like the UNIA’s Negro Factories Corporation, was part of Garve’s broader movement to promote black self-determination and economic freedom. Garvey observed that black people across the world were largely oppressed and excluded from the global economy. So, he created the Black Star Line to help to alleviate this situation by promoting the shipping of goods among the African Diaspora, fostering the development of a self-sufficiency and a resilient global black economy (Howison, 2005). In addition, the BSL would transport emigrants to Africa in order to create the great black nation-state. BSL shares were sold for five dollars ($5) each, allowing even low-income blacks to participate in the UNIA’s largest economic venture (Azikiwe, 2015). The UNIA raised managed to raise eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) between 1919 and 1920. In the same year, Garvey was able to purchase the BSL’s first ship, the Yarmouth, which was a thirty-year-old freighter ship last used in World War I. However, the vessel was bedevilled by a number of unfixed repairs and attempted sabotage by crew members by the time the BSL gained possession of it in New York (“American Experience | Marcus Garvey,” 2001).

The Black Star Line was sabotaged by the Bureau of Investigation. Furthermore, due to overcharging by engineers, thievery by officials and officers, it was, unfortunately blighted by mismanagement (Howison 2005). Two other ships, the Shadyside and Kanawha, were purchased and had similar problems to the Yarmouth. The Shadyside was a passenger ferry that ran alongside the Hudson River until it sank after a seam broke during an ice storm. Mechanical problems and employee sabotage plagued the Kanawha (Howison 2005). Although the Black Star Line was essentially a business failure, it was still a valuable symbol of black ambition, and a good marketing and recruitment tool for Garvey and the U.N.I.A. Despite the fact that Garvey declared the company’s suspension shortly after his arrest on mail fraud on February 1922, the Black Star Line was still a major accomplishment for the Black community. Additionally, the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League had another business enterprise called Negro Factories Corporation, which was recognised by one hundred and twenty-five (125) countries around the world and even had its own and flag and constitution (“American Experience | Marcus Garvey | People