Marcus Garvey: John The Baptist

  Being a New Yorker the Harlem I grew up knowing is seen as a "gentrifier's safe haven." What if I told you that once upon a time a man that preached "African for the Africans" and ran an association made this part of the city his home. Although this man hailed from Saint Ann's Bay Jamaica those that followed his teachings were descendants of American slaves (African-American). The name of this giant of a man is Marcus Mosiah Garvey.    

  I would become familiar with Garvey and his philosophy back in 2015 during my time in college. Entering the old Barnes & Nobles in Bay Plaza I head right to the Black History section (which was small in length). Tucked between books on "The Talented Tenth" and the lives of emancipated slaves was a copy of Selected Writings and Speeches of Marcus Garvey. Holding the book with one hand I knew that I was in store for words of enlightenment and paragraphs that would stand more sufficient than most of the scriptures.  

  Garvey may be seen as a black sheep in most History books, but he is still regarded as a prolific figure. Mentioned in songs by rapper Kendrick Lamar to being discussed in colleges and universities across the world Marcus Garvey still stands as a name that is a force to be reckon with. Today Garvey and his influence are seen in small spurts. Besides having a park named after him in East Harlem and his face glued on shirts, buttons, and other attractions Garvey has become an object in Harlem's ongoing exhibit.      

  Reviewing the book and it's excellence would be an insult to Mr. Garvey and what he tried to put in place. Not only did this man preach black independence he put it in place. As a young black man living in the 21st century it's hard to believe that black people had their own businesses, steam boats, and airplanes. One could say that if it wasn't for him being deported and banned in the U.S. (thanks to the F.B.I. and members of The Talented Tenth) God only knows what the plight of black people would've resulted in. While reading one of his speeches Garvey was quoted saying that he was John The Baptist in the wilderness. The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey may not had been the most wealthy or physically attractive (to most), but he left a vision in people of African descent that still hasn't died. Now in the year 2019 we as a diaspora have what it takes to build on the dream/work that Mr. Garvey tirelessly preached on. Let's pick up our bootstraps and fight the good fight.