Marcus Garvey (1887-1940)

Summary Label

An influential leader who fought for racial equality.

Title

Marcus Garvey (1887-1940)

Date of Birth

August 17, 1887

Date of Death

June 10, 1940

gender

Male

Hometown or Region

St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica

Freedom Status

Free

Occupation

Newspaper publisher, Founder of UNIA

Biography

Marcus Garvey was born in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica on August 17, 1887. Garvey created the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and was the progenitor of the “Black is Beautiful” movement. The UNIA was an organization that promoted the “Back to Africa” movement. This was a political movement that promoted the return of African Americans to Africa. Garvey’s goal was to unite those of African descent and create an independent African nation where black people are equal. In addition to the UNIA, Garvey sparked the “Black is Beautiful” movement. This movement empowered black people to feel comfortable in their own skin and to embrace the African part of themselves. Throughout his life, Garvey gained forty million followers and sparked many movements towards racial equality including the Civil Rights Movement. Garvey had many supporters, some of which include Ida B. Wells Barnett, Madame C.J. Walker, and A. Phillip Randolph (who would eventually revoke his support). Ida. B. Wells was a journalist and a leader in the early Civil Rights Movement. Madame C.J. Walker was an extremely wealthy entrepreneur who provided Garvey with financial support. A. Phillip Randolph was a politician who led non-violent protests for racial equality. While Garvey had a fulfilling career, he passed away on June 10, 1940 in London, England, however, his body was later moved back to Jamaica.

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Student Researcher

Maddie Van de Ven