Caribbean News
‘Black is Beauty’ Caribbean Connection: Activist, National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#Jamaica, February 9, 2023 – Born in Saint Ann, Jamaica in 1887 Marcus Mosiah Garvey was one of the most influential Black leaders of the 20th century; his influence is recognized throughout the Caribbean as well as in the
United States.
Garvey, born into a middle class family had the opportunity to travel extensively as a young man in the early 20th century, visiting places like Costa Rica and the UK where observed the conditions of the black working class, who were often poor and disenfranchised.
This awakened the activist in the man who believed Africans would be better off in Africa, as a unified nation, with one leader living and working and dreaming in solidarity.
A Pan-Africanist at heart; after seeing the reality of Black people globally and reading black scholars like Booker T Washington he returned to Jamaica and at 28 years old, in 1914 Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League UNIA-ACL more commonly known as the UNIA with his wife Amy Ashwood.
Only two years later he moved to Harlem, often described as a Black cultural Mecca at the time and began to share his ideas with the Black people there. The idea grew and soon, his newspaper Negro World was born. 
Needless to say his writings ruffled feathers and drew strong opposition from powerful groups in the United States. History chronicles that Garvey became the target of repeated raids from US investigators at the hand of the Director of the then Bureau of Investigation Edgar Hoover.
Garvey would marry a second time in 1922; Amy Jacques, a Jamaican journalist who remained his partner until death.
Marcus Garvey had several specific goals and beliefs that he hoped the Black community globally would adopt including:
- The end of colonial rule (which at the time was still prevalent)
- Unity between Africa and the African diaspora
- The Back-to-Africa movement which encouraged Black people to go back to their ancestral homes instead of settling where they had been forced
After being charged and convicted in a US court on mail fraud charges, he was deported to Jamaica. There he continued his work with the UNIA.
He passed away in England in 1940 and was posthumously named a Jamaican national hero.
Marcus Garvey was a controversial figure not least of all because of his belief in black separatism and while his
launch pad for a global black economy based off of trade, a shipping company called the Black Star Line, eventually failed he was a powerful symbol of what black people could do, had they the right means.
He constantly refuted long-held stereotypes about Black people, and planted the seeds of black equality that civil rights leaders would build on in the years following, a true contributor to the black diaspora.
Curiously, despite this burning passion about Africa and its far flung descendants, it continues to stun lovers and followers of Garveyism that this great advocate never had the opportunity to step foot on – that is to say, visit – the mighty motherland, the Continent of Africa.
Today, streets and monuments are named and erected in his honour in the various countries of Africa, including Namibia and there is a voice that will not be quieted; calling for the civic leader to be cleared of all charges as the campaign to have Garvey publicly exonerated, builds momentum.
He is saluted here during Black History Month, where we share the stories of those who have proven that Black is Beauty.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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