Marcus Garvey

Marcus Mosiah Garvey (August 17, 1887 – June 10, 1940) was a publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, crusader for black nationalism and founder of the UNIA-ACL. He was born in Jamaica. Garvey is best remembered as a champion of the "back-to-Africa" movement, which was interpreted as encouraging people of African ancestry to return to their ancestral homeland. He is also recognized as the most important prophet of the "back-to-Africa" Rastafari movement. Garvey said he wanted those of African ancestry to "redeem" Africa, and for the European colonial powers to leave it. Although Garvey was raised Methodist, he became Greek Orthodox.

Garvey and Rastafari

Rastafarians consider Garvey to be a religious prophet, and more specifically the reincarnation of John the Baptist. This was partly because Garvey said in the 1920's, "Look to Africa, for there a king will be crowned" which they then took as a prophecy about the crowning of Haile Selassie. The rasta founders were a part of Garvey's Back-to-Africa movement in Jamaica, and in its doctrines the Rastafarian movement can definitely be seen as an offshoot or development of Garvey philosophy. His beliefs have fundamentally shaped Rastafari, and he is popular theme in much reggae music, and especially that of Burning Spear; see Marcus Garvey (album).

Related Topics:
Rastafarians - Religious - Prophet - Reincarnation - John the Baptist - King - Haile Selassie - Reggae - Burning Spear - Marcus Garvey (album)

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