Marcus+Garvey

Marcus Garvey was a genius who helped many people of color through the unfair government, and hard economic times. Marcus was different because of his strategy. Instead of staying in America and having people get along, he rented ships to transport people to Africa.
 * by Dominique, grade 5**

Ever since August 17, 1887, the day Marcus was born, he worked hard. One night, he and his father went to a graveyard and Marcus accidentally fell into a hole. His father walked away and left Marcus there, on purpose. Marcus’ father did that to teach Marcus a lesson. The moral of the lesson was not to rely on anybody.

When Marcus was 14 years old he started to train for his job as a printer in Kingston, Jamaica. Soon, he started a journal on a protest about better jobs and working conditions. After that, Marcus typed periodicals called “Watchmen” and wrote the cover page of the newspaper “Universal Negro”. It cost 5 cents. He started to journal about different topics. he got some inspiration from Booker T. Washington’s book “Up from Slavery”.

In 1910, Marcus became an African Nationalist. He went back to Jamaica and formed he Universal Negro Improvement Association and the African Communities League. Marcus helped people start businesses. Marcus made powerful speeches and wore outfits that showed dignity to people. After each of his speeches, children would tell their parents about his speech.

In 1919 Marcus got engaged to a lady named Amy. Amy’s mother didn’t want her to marry Marcus because of his low income as a janitor. Marcus and Amy had children, but Garvey thought that having a family and having a project was too much at once. Marcus got divorced from Amy and moved on with his project.

Marcus organized the Back to Africa Movement. It is about sailing all African Americans back to Africa. He put them on boats called the Black Star Line. He got arrested for illegal messaging in the mail. The government sent Marcus to prison. After he was sent to prison, he was deported to Jamaica. Marcus moved to London and soon died on June 10, 1964. His body was transported to Jamaica.

Marcus led our society to success and now has many followers and supporters. One of the supporters name was George A. McGuire. He helped Marcus form the African Orthodox Church. Marcus was a leader for many people around the world. Even though he is deceased, his legacy still remains on the earth.