The Garvey family is once again amplifying their call for justice, urging the Biden administration to exonerate Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s first national hero and a towering figure in the fight for Black empowerment. For Caribbean communities, this is not just a plea for justice but a moment to reclaim and honor a legacy deeply rooted in the shared history of resistance and resilience.
Marcus Garvey, born in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, ignited one of the earliest Black civil rights movements in the Americas. Through the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), the *Negro World* newspaper, and the Black Star Line shipping company, Garvey championed Black unity, economic self-reliance, and pride in African heritage. He made Black people believe they were “somebody,” as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would later describe.
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However, Garvey’s revolutionary vision also made him a target. In 1923, he was convicted of mail fraud related to the Black Star Line, a charge many historians and supporters believe was politically motivated. After serving time, his sentence was commuted by President Calvin Coolidge, and Garvey was deported to Jamaica in 1927. He spent his remaining years advocating for Pan-Africanism until his death in London in 1940 at just 52 years old.
Decades later, his youngest son, Dr. Julius Garvey, now 91, continues the fight to clear his father’s name. “If President Biden can pardon his own son for tax evasion, why can’t he pardon a man who empowered millions of African people worldwide?” Julius asked. This question resonates deeply with the Caribbean diaspora, where Garvey’s teachings have inspired generations to stand tall in their identity and heritage.
Garvey’s granddaughter, Nzinga Garvey, is also actively involved in the exoneration efforts. She has outlined five key strategies, including framing the issue as a universal call for justice, linking it to contemporary wrongful conviction cases, and highlighting the broader impact on families and communities.
Efforts to exonerate Garvey have spanned decades, from hearings led by Representative John Conyers in the 1980s to ongoing advocacy from lawmakers like New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. Clarke, herself of Jamaican descent, sees Garvey’s exoneration as a crucial step toward racial equity. “It’s not just about race—it’s about fairness, accountability, and recognizing Garvey’s immense contributions to society,” she said.
Garvey’s influence is undeniable. His vision of a united, self-reliant Black community laid the foundation for many modern civil rights movements. Yet, his conviction casts a shadow over his legacy. “That false conviction not only tarnished his name but also undermined the very work he dedicated his life to,” said Howard University law professor Justin Hansford.
For the Caribbean community, Marcus Garvey represents more than a historical figure—he is a symbol of strength, resilience, and unity. His teachings continue to inspire those seeking to reclaim their narratives and demand justice. As Julius Garvey poignantly put it, “My father taught us that we’re a global people with a place at the table of nations. This exoneration is about reclaiming that seat.”
As President Biden’s term nears its end, the call to honor Marcus Garvey’s legacy grows louder. Whether through exoneration or continued advocacy, his family and supporters vow to keep pushing forward. In the words of Julius Garvey: “Nobody should give up. We must learn from history and keep moving.”
The Caribbean community, steadfast in its love and respect for Marcus Garvey, continues to rally for justice—not just for him, but for all those who fight for a brighter, more equitable future.
