Marcus Garvey was a forgotten man in Jamaica when Burning Spear recorded an epic album in his honor 47 years ago. The reggae legend is urging Jamaica’s government to teach his message of black empowerment in the country’s schools. He is also calling for a special day in Jamaica for the Pan African leader who died in London in 1940 at age 52.”I believe di time is right for a Marcus Garvey Day in Jamaica. It’s our duty dat happens. Jamaica is a independent country, no one has to give us any authority to do dis,” said Spear. The legendary singer/songwriter is 77 years-old.
Come August, he is scheduled to end a 12-year break from touring to perform at Rototom Sunsplash in Spain and in December on the Welcome to Jamrock cruise, and has just obtained his first No.1. song on The Foundation Radio Network Top 30 Music Chart, with “Mommy.” Spear has not been to Jamaica in five years but keeps in tune with developments there. He is aware of the Jamaican government’s plans to ask their US counterparts to exonerate Garvey of mail fraud as Jamaica celebrates 60 years of independence this year. Garvey, who like Spear is from rural St. Ann parish in northern Jamaica, was imprisoned for two years in a Federal penitentiary. Burning Spear said Jamaican authorities should concentrate on spreading Garvey’s message among the youth. “We need a subject on Garvey from basic school (ages four to six) up. It’s time for Jamaican people to speak on these things,” he declared.
Garvey is founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) that had branches in Jamaica, the United States, Canada and Latin America. He was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s.At the height of his influence, he was sent to prison and deported to Jamaica in 1927. On his return to Jamaica, reaction to Garvey’s message was indifferent and he left for England where he eventually died. His body was returned to Jamaica in 1964. Five years later, Marcus Garvey was made Jamaica’s first National Hero. Burning Spear’s seminal Marcus Garvey, released in 1975, revived interest in the Garvey legacy.
You must log in to post a comment.