Hello readers, I would like to make a short post dedicated to my favourite historical icon Marcus Garvey as this day marks 99 years since the civil rights leader founded the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association) in Kingston, Jamaica. The UNIA's aims included uniting peoples around the world of African origin, campaigning for the independence of African and Caribbean countries and fighting against racist brutality, especially in the United States. By the mid 1920s the UNIA had a massive eight million followers worldwide. An achievement of the organisation was the creation and success of the 'Negro World', a long running African American published newspaper celebrating black culture and black pride. Another milestone the organisation reached was the creation of the 'Black Star Shipping Line', the first international shipping company owned and run by African Americans. The most important achievement of the UNIA however is the sense of pride and self belief it gave to blacks in the realisation that they were as competent to achieve as much as people from any other nation or background.
After the decline of the UNIA in America following the deportation of Garvey from U.S in 1927 the remnants of the organisation would inspire latter civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King and show them the importance of unity and self pride in the fight for racial justice.
Marcus Garvey in his UNIA uniform.
A stock certificate for the 'Black Star Shipping Line'. Many African Americans rushed to purchase shares in this enterprise.
Marcus Garvey leads a UNIA parade in his automobile.
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