African Amer. History
Dr. Sigwalt
April 17, 2013
Marcus Garvey Impact on Harlem Renaissance
My Thesis statement is about Marcus Garvey, the founder of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.) He was a major impact during the Harlem Renaissance, being a big force to that becoming a memorable mark in African American history. Marcus Garvey brought inspiration to many and tended to talk about the worlds’ dreams and desires. The NAACP was the largest black movement in all of history. There were many obstacles he had to overcome to successfully create the change he imagined. Marcus Garvey was born in Jamaica, on August 17, 1887, in St. Anne’s Bay. He was a Rastafarian and grew up in a family that had a very strong sense of closeness and unity. He watched his father stand up for himself at all costs whenever he was struggling. He grew watching and loving his father so much, that his father’s attitude brought a spark in his personality, which encouraged Marcus to pursue his goals and not let anything stand in his way. This is how he found the courage to succeed in life, even if the color of his skin could hinder his success. Marcus expressed to his followers that the color of their skin signified a glorious symbol of national greatness. In Jamaica, Garvey started his movement but did not find the support he wished for from the community. Many black people disliked him, because they did not want to classify themselves as Negro’s. Actually in Jamaica, his largest supporters were white; they wanted to better the life of the African American people in Jamaica. Garvey found no discouragement even though his own race was against him at the time and he decided to see if he could receive more support for his program in the United States. He wrote to the founder of the Tuskegee Institute and received an eager invitation to come to the United States to share their ideas. He went to the United States on March 23, 1916, hoping to seek help from Booker T. Washington, but by the time Garvey got to the United States Washington passed away.
When Garvey got to New York, many Negro Americans were eager to hear what he had to say, because he got there at a time when there were not many opportunities for black people in the States. There was an enormous difference in the reaction of the Negro’s in Jamaica and the United States, but Garvey saw the conditions in both countries to be the primary reason. It was just at the end of World War I and many people in the United States did not have any way to improve their life. As well with the abolishment of slavery, there was an increase in mobility out of the South. Shortly after Marcus Garvey made his way to the United Sates, he established the “Negro World,” newspaper so he could express his ideas and philosophies; Garvey set off to establish his international organization, which he knew, would rise. The U.N.I.A (Universal Negro Improvement Association.) which was founded in 1917 and contained 2,000 members in three weeks.
The U.N.I.A. was established so Marcus could promote his famous slogan "Africa for the Africans," and encourage his back to Africa movement. Garvey’s organization was growing at such a large pace. He was even traveling around the United States to further branch out the association. The Negro’s World carried news that spread the activities of the U.N.I.A. to many people. This helped keep the organization together and efficient. The newspaper encouraged the subscribers and let them express their ideas on various issues, if they wanted to mail in an article it was accepted and appreciated.
Garvey also formed the Black Star Line Steamship Company to transport black people back to Africa. There was stock sold for this company to any black person that had the desire to travel back to Africa. This was Garvey’s way of putting his words in action. Many people thought the idea of actually buying a boat to transport people back to Africa was a