"Heroes" or "Icons"

Marcus Garvey - 17 August 1887 – 10 June 1940

Marcus Garvey: A Champion of Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism

Marcus Garvey was a pioneering Jamaican activist, orator, and leader whose vision of Black empowerment and global unity left an indelible mark on the fight for racial equality. Born in 1887 in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, Garvey’s experiences with racism and inequality inspired him to develop the philosophy of Black nationalism—a belief in the need for Black people to unite, strengthen their own communities, and gain economic independence.

Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914, which became the largest mass movement of its kind, advocating for the return of African Americans to Africa and the establishment of a strong, united African diaspora. His bold ideas of self-reliance and pride in African heritage resonated across the globe, particularly through his famous slogan: "Africa for the Africans, at home and abroad."

Through the Black Star Line, Garvey sought to create an independent shipping company to promote trade between Africa and the Americas, symbolizing his broader vision of economic and political freedom for Black people worldwide.

Though Garvey faced legal troubles and was eventually deported from the U.S. in 1927, his legacy as a visionary leader lives on. His work laid the groundwork for later movements like the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power, and his calls for Black pride and unity continue to inspire generations in the struggle for racial justice and self-determination.