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Jamaica’s first national hero was born in St Ann’s Bay on
August 17, 1887. In his youth Garvey migrated to Kingston where he worked as a printer and
later published a small paper "The Watchman".
During his career Garvey travelled extensively throughout
many countries observing the poor working and living conditions of black people.
In 1914 he started the Universal Negro Improvement
Association (UNIA) in Jamaica. The UNIA, which grew into an international organisation,
encouraged self government for black people worldwide; self-help economic projects;
protest against racial discrimination and cultural activities.
In 1916, Garvey went to the USA where he preached his
doctrine of freedom to the oppressed blacks throughout the country.
However, USA officials disapproved of his activities and he
was imprisoned, then deported.
Back in Jamaica in 1927, he continued his political activity,
forming the People’s Political Party in 1929. He was unsuccessful in national elections
but won a seat on the KSAC.
But the world of the 30s was not ready for Garvey’s
progressive ideas. He left Jamaica again, this time for England where he died in 1940. His
body was brought back to Jamaica in 1964 and buried in the National Heroes Park in
Kingston.
Garvey’s legacy can be summed up in the philosophy he taught
-race pride, the need for African unity; self reliance; the need for black people to be
organised and for rulers to govern on behalf of the working classes. | 
