Marcus Garvey (1887-1940) was a Jamaican-born political leader, philosopher, and journalist who played a significant role in promoting the rights and empowerment of black people. He is best known for his pioneering activism in the Pan-Africanism movement, which aimed to unite people of African descent worldwide.
Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914, with the goal of promoting self-reliance and economic independence among black people. Through the UNIA, he advocated for the repatriation of African diaspora to Africa and the creation of an independent black nation.
Garvey was a charismatic speaker and mobilized thousands of followers with his powerful speeches and writings. He emphasized the importance of black pride, self-determination, and economic solidarity. Garvey also founded the Negro World newspaper, which spread his ideas and connected black communities internationally.
However, Garvey faced significant opposition from the establishment, particularly from white authorities in the United States. He was targeted by FBI investigation and eventually convicted for mail fraud, leading to his deportation back to Jamaica in 1927. Despite his setbacks and controversies, Garvey's ideas continue to inspire black activists and leaders around the world today.