PBS had a nice little piece about Black Star ship-lines which was owned by Marcus Garvey in the early part of the century. Interesting man, with some questionable practices and beliefs. The name Black Star piqued my interest due to the album Black Star by Talib and Mos Def.
“Garvey is best remembered as an important proponent of the “Back-To-Africa” movement, which encouraged people of African ancestry to return to their ancestral homelands. This movement would eventually inspire other movements ranging from the Nation of Islam to the Rastafari movement, who see him as a prophet. Garvey said he wanted those of African ancestry to “redeem” Africa, and for the European colonial powers to leave it. Although Garvey was raised Methodist, he became a Roman Catholic.
Rastafarians consider Garvey to be a religious prophet, and sometimes even the reincarnation of John the Baptist. This is partly due to Garvey’s statement in the 1920s in which he said, “Look to Africa, for there a king will be crowned,” but his beliefs are deeply influential over all elements of Rastafari.”
3 responses to “Marcus Garvey”
Very interesting guy. I remember reading about him in a CEGEP course and i was always up to learn more. Long live PBS!
I figured after listening to countless reggae albums which sing his name – i’d better figure out who the hell he was. PBS rules.
I LOCATED A ORGINAL DOCUMENT SIGNED BY MARCUS GARVEY IN REGARDS TO BLACK STAR LINE, INC. DATED NOVEMBER 4, 1919, AND NEED TO KNOW ITS VALUE. THANKS