Renewed call for Garvey pardon amplifies Jamaica’s initiative
Marcus Garvey is shown in a military uniform as the ‘Provisional
President of Africa during a parade up Lenox Avenue
in Harlem, New York City, Aug. 1922, during opening day
exercises of the annual Convention of the Negro Peoples of
the World. Associated Press, File
Caribbean Life, February 18-24, 2022 11
Jamaicans in the diaspora
have relentlessly pursued
clemency for Marcus Mosiah
Garvey, a Pan-African advocate
who was jailed and deported
from the USA more than a
century ago. Many have petitioned
presidents to exonerate
the Jamaican who declared a
“One Aim. One Destiny” philosophy
of unifying displaced
Africans.
“Africa for the Africans” was
his mantra.
With the election of the first
Black president, their best hopes
were dashed after two terms at
the White House failed to entice
President Barack Obama.
Some bargained on notice
from his successor Donald
Trump who believed would
oblige because in some circles
he was reputed the “pardon
king.”
But that was not to be.
Now after one year in office,
and Black History Month, hopes
are hinged on Democrat Joe
Biden to fulfill their wish.
Last week Jamaica’s Consular
General, Alsion Wilson dispatched
a letter asking nationals
to engage in a revamped
campaign.
“You can play a major part in
making history this Black History
Month,” she said.
“As you may know, the month
of February is observed as Black
History Month. This presents
you with the opportunity to
support a recently launched
initiative with the objective of
petitioning the President of
the United States of America to
grant a posthumous pardon to
Jamaica’s first National Hero.”
She described Garvey’s incarceration
on charges of fraud as
“unjust prosecution and conviction
in 1923.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity
to join us as we support
the Garvey family and the
organizations supportive of
their effort to seek #Justice4-
Garvey.”
Fueled by amplified calls
on social media, the aim is to
amass at least 100,000 signatures
by March 1.
Film director and stuntman
Roy Anderson supports the initiative.
He recently returned stateside
after making a four-day trip
to London, England in order to
promote his docu-drama “African
Redemption: The Life and
Legacy of Marcus Garvey.”
His self-financed trip
although unrelated to the
campaign, coincides with the
Black History Month initiative
and also amplifies the legacy
of Jamaica’s first national hero
who he said has not gotten the
full recognition he is due.
Born in Jamaica, Anderson
is a descendant of Maroons.
He shares the viewpoint that
Garvey should be pardoned and
on Feb. 5 invited British audiences
to a premiere screening
and question and answer session
afterwards. Narrated by
Emmy-winning actor Keith
David, the 85-minute feature
document chronicles Garvey’s
rise from humble Jamaican
beginnings to influence Harlem
residents and ultimately
making a global impact surpassing
prominence.
Anderson contends: “Marcus
Garvey is regarded as the
world’s most influential Pan
Africanist and foremost twentieth
century Civil-Rights leader.
The charismatic Caribbean
hero dedicated his life to the
project of redeeming Africa. He
endeared large audiences to listen
to his eloquent addresses
about racism, imperialism and
Civil Rights.”
Reportedly, capacity crowds
filled venues to hear him deliver
addresses, among them the
Royal Albert Hall in London
and here at Madison Square
Garden.
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