Happy Birthday Marcus Garvey

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” - Marcus Garvey

(Marcus Garvey)

Marcus Garvey was born on August 17th, 1887 in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. In 1907 he took part in an unsuccessful printer's strike and the experience kindled in him a passion for political activism. In 1910 Garvey left Jamaica and began traveling throughout the Central American region. He lived in Costa Rica for several months and worked as a timekeeper on a banana plantation. In 1911 he began work as editor for a daily newspaper. He then moved to Panama. In 1912 he returned to Jamaica. Garvey combined the economic nationalist ideas of Booker T. Washington and Pan Africanists with the political possibilities and urban style of men and women living outside of plantation and colonial societies. He then moved to London, England. While in London he attended Birkbeck College, taking classes in law and philosophy.

(Garvey in 1912)

He also worked for the “African Times and Orient Review”, published by Dusé Mohamed Ali. In 1914 Garvey went back to Jamaica where he organized the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). In 1916 Garvey visited Tuskegee institute. On May 9th 1916, he held his first public lecture in New York City. In 1917 Garvey and thirteen others formed the first UNIA division outside Jamaica. They began advancing ideas to promote social, political, and economic freedom for black people.

(Garvey in 1917)

In 1918 Garvey began publishing the “Negro World” newspaper in New York. In 1919 the UNIA had 2 million members. Also in 1919 the UNIA set up its first business, incorporating the Black Star Line of Delaware, with Garvey as President. During the first year, the Black Star Line's stock sales brought in $600,000. After the establishment of the Black Star Liner Garvey received criticism from W.E.B. DuBois. This caused a big rivalry between Garvey’ UNIA and Dubois’ NAACP. Also in 1919 a man attempted to kill Garvey and Garvey was wounded from 4 gun shots.

(Garvey in 1919)

In 1920 the UNIA had 4 million members. Also in 1920 Garvey launched the Liberia program intended to build colleges, industrial plants, and railroads as part of an industrial base from which to operate. Also in 1920 Garvey created the red, black and, green Pan African flag. In 1921 the UNIA held an international convention at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Garvey attracted more than 50,000 people to the event and in his cause. Also in 1921 the BOI (now FBI) set up Garvey and charged him for mail fraud. In 1922 Garvey went to Atlanta for a conference with KKK imperial giant Edward Young Clarke, seeking to advance his organization in the South. In 1923 Garvey was sentenced 5 years in prison for mail fraud.

(Garvey in 1923)

He began serving his sentence in 1925. In 1927 Garvey was released. He was then deported back to Jamaica. In 1928 Garvey travelled to Geneva to present the Petition of the Negro Race. This petition outlined the worldwide abuse of Africans to the League of Nations.

(Garvey in 1928)

In 1929 he founded the People's Political Party. Also in 1929 Garvey was elected councilor for the Allman Town Division of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC). In 1931 Garvey launched the Edelweiss Amusement Company. He set the company up to help artists earn their livelihood from their craft. In 1935 Garvey left Jamaica for London.

(Garvey in 1935)

In 1938 he set up the School of African Philosophy in Toronto to train UNIA leaders. On June 10th, 1940 Marcus Garvey died of 2 strokes in London, England. He was 52 years old.

(Garvey’s funeral)

Today is his 130th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Marcus Garvey.

Speeches by Marcus Garvey

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFhksjZYTds  “Clip of a powerful Marcus Garvey speech”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANpZlN9wzs0  “MARCUS GARVEY SPEECH JULY 1921.avi”

Anniversary of Marcus Garvey's Death

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” - Marcus Garvey

(Marcus Garvey)

Marcus Garvey was born on August 17th, 1887 in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. In 1907 he took part in an unsuccessful printer's strike and the experience kindled in him a passion for political activism. In 1910 Garvey left Jamaica and began traveling throughout the Central American region. He lived in Costa Rica for several months and worked as a timekeeper on a banana plantation. In 1911 he began work as editor for a daily newspaper. He then moved to Panama. In 1912 he returned to Jamaica. Garvey combined the economic nationalist ideas of Booker T. Washington and Pan Africanists with the political possibilities and urban style of men and women living outside of plantation and colonial societies. He then moved to London, England. While in London he attended Birkbeck College, taking classes in law and philosophy.

(Garvey in 1912)

He also worked for the “African Times and Orient Review”, published by Dusé Mohamed Ali. In 1914 Garvey went back to Jamaica where he organized the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). In 1916 Garvey visited Tuskegee institute. On May 9th 1916, he held his first public lecture in New York City. In 1917 Garvey and thirteen others formed the first UNIA division outside Jamaica. They began advancing ideas to promote social, political, and economic freedom for black people.

(Garvey in 1917)

In 1918 Garvey began publishing the “Negro World” newspaper in New York. In 1919 the UNIA had 2 million members. Also in 1919 the UNIA set up its first business, incorporating the Black Star Line of Delaware, with Garvey as President. During the first year, the Black Star Line's stock sales brought in $600,000. After the establishment of the Black Star Liner Garvey received criticism from W.E.B. DuBois. This caused a big rivalry between Garvey’ UNIA and Dubois’ NAACP. Also in 1919 a man attempted to kill Garvey and Garvey was wounded from 4 gun shots.

(Garvey in 1919)

In 1920 the UNIA had 4 million members. Also in 1920 Garvey launched the Liberia program intended to build colleges, industrial plants, and railroads as part of an industrial base from which to operate. Also in 1920 Garvey created the red, black and, green Pan African flag. In 1921 the UNIA held an international convention at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Garvey attracted more than 50,000 people to the event and in his cause. Also in 1921 the BOI (now FBI) set up Garvey and charged him for mail fraud. In 1922 Garvey went to Atlanta for a conference with KKK imperial giant Edward Young Clarke, seeking to advance his organization in the South. In 1923 Garvey was sentenced 5 years in prison for mail fraud.

(Garvey in 1923)

He began serving his sentence in 1925. In 1927 Garvey was released. He was then deported back to Jamaica. In 1928 Garvey travelled to Geneva to present the Petition of the Negro Race. This petition outlined the worldwide abuse of Africans to the League of Nations.

(Garvey in 1928)

In 1929 he founded the People's Political Party. Also in 1929 Garvey was elected councilor for the Allman Town Division of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC). In 1931 Garvey launched the Edelweiss Amusement Company. He set the company up to help artists earn their livelihood from their craft. In 1935 Garvey left Jamaica for London.

(Garvey in 1935)

In 1938 he set up the School of African Philosophy in Toronto to train UNIA leaders. On June 10th, 1940 Marcus Garvey died of 2 strokes in London, England. He was 52 years old.

(Garvey’s funeral)

Today is the 77th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great entrepreneur and leader today.

Speeches by Marcus Garvey

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFhksjZYTds  “Clip of a powerful Marcus Garvey speech”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANpZlN9wzs0  “MARCUS GARVEY SPEECH JULY 1921.avi”

P.S. sorry for the late post

Anniversary of Bob Marley's Death

“Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold” - Bob Marley

(Bob Marley)

Bob Marley was born as Robert Marley on February 6th, 1945 in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. Marley’s father was a White man from England whom he rarely ever saw. Marley started to play music while in elementary school. When Marley was 12 his family moved to Trenchtown, Kingston, Jamaica.

(Marley as a teenager)

He then formed a band while in high school. Marley was more interested in being just a vocalist than a musician. Eventually Marley was taught to play guitar.

(Marley as a young man)

In 1962 Marley recorded 4 songs. In 1963 Marley’s band was called “The Teenagers”. The then changed their name to “The Wailing Rudeboys” then to “The Wailing Wailers”. Finally their name was changed to “The Wailers”. Marley became interested in Rastafari beliefs. In 1966 2 members left the Wailers leaving it to Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh.

(Marley (Center) with the Wailers in 1966)

Also in 1966 Marley married Rita Anderson and moved to Wilmington, Delaware, USA for a short time.

(Marley (Left) with Rita Anderson)

After returning to Jamaica Marley officially converted to Rastafari. In 1972 Marley signed with CBS Records.

(Marley in 1972)

The Wailers then toured with Johnny Nash. The Wailers then were signed to Island Records. In 1973 The Wailers released “Catch a Fire” and “Burnin’”. The single “I Shot the Sheriff” gained a lot of attention and reached No. 1 on the Billboard hot 100.

(Marley in 1974)

The Wailers then opened 4 shows for Sly & the Family Stone. In 1974 the Wailers broke up. Marley still recorded under “Bob Marley & The Wailers”. In 1975 Marley had an international hit with the single “No Woman, No Cry”.

(Marley in 1975)

In 1976 his album “Rastaman Vibration” reached the top 50 in the Billboard Soul chart. During a concert in Jamaica Marley and his wife was wounded by a gunshot. Marley still performed even after being shot twice.

(Marley after being shot)

Marley then left Jamaica in 1976 and went to England. While in London Marley was arrested for marijuana possession. In 1977 Marley was diagnosed with cancer. In 1978 Marley moved back to Jamaica. In 1979 Marley released “Survival” which showed his strong opposition to South African apartheid. In 1980 Marley performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebration.

(Marley in Zimbabwe in 1980)

In 1980 Marley released his last album “Uprising”. In September of 1980 Marley performed his last concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

(Marley in 1980)

On May 11th, 1981 Bob Marley died of cancer in Miami, Florida, USA. He was 36 years old.

(Marley’s funeral)

Today is the 36th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great musical artist today.

Albums by Bob Marley and the Wailers

• “The Wailing Wailers” (1965)
• “Soul Rebels” (1970)
• “Soul Revolution” (1971)
• “Catch a Fire” (1973)
• “Burnin'” (1973)
• “Natty Dread” (1974)
• “Rastaman Vibration” (1976)
• “Exodus” (1977)
• “Kaya” (1978)
• “Survival” (1979)
• “Uprising” (1980)
• “Confrontation” (1983)  

Videos of Bob Marley

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBw6N8MDCb0  “Bob Marley Denouncing Material Things (Riches)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTY8H7zjdtc  “One Love Bob Marley official video (HD)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGqrvn3q1oo  “Bob marley "no woman no cry" 1979”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mSuFmnh2do  “Zimbabwe Bob Marley & Wailers 1980”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Csk8I3wLmk  “Bob Marley - Redemption Song (Live - Jamaica 1980)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlfblmgOaYE  “Bob Marley - Slave driver (Catch a fire)1973”

Anniversary of Queen Nanny's Death

“Mother of all Jamaicans” - Queen Nanny’s title

(Queen Nanny)

Queen Nanny was born in 1686 in Ghana and was apart of the Ashanti tribe. Nanny and several other relatives were captured and sold into slavery. She was sent to Jamaica. Nanny was sold to a plantation in Saint Thomas Parish. She suffered hard conditions under slavery. Nanny and a few other slaves ran away and hid in the Blue Mountains area of northern Saint Thomas Parish.

(A drawing of Queen Nanny)

Nanny and another slave founded communities in Portland Parish. Due to Nanny’s community being strategically placed so that there was one way in and out of it they were able to fight off the British who wanted to take them back as slaves. The name of her community was called Nanny Town. It consisted of 500 acres. The people living in Nanny Town were called Maroons. The Maroons were known for raiding plantations for weapons and food, burning the plantations, and leading slaves back to their communities. Nanny was very adept at organizing plans to free slaves. Over 30 years she freed over 1000 slaves.

(A painting of Queen Nanny)

A lot of her leadership skills were attributed to her religion, Obeah. She also served as a physical and spiritual healer to her community. On March 30th 1733 Queen Nanny was killed in the 1st Maroon war in Nanny Town, Jamaica. She was about 47 years old.

(Nanny on the Jamaican $500 bill)

Today is the 284th anniversary of her death. Take time to remember this great revolutionary today.

Happy Birthday Bob Marley

“Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold” - Bob Marley

(Bob Marley)

Bob Marley was born as Robert Marley on February 6th, 1945 in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. Marley’s father was a White man from England whom he rarely ever saw. Marley started to play music while in elementary school. When Marley was 12 his family moved to Trenchtown, Kingston, Jamaica.

(Marley as a teenager)

He then formed a band while in high school. Marley was more interested in being just a vocalist than a musician. Eventually Marley was taught to play guitar.

(Marley as a young man)

In 1962 Marley recorded 4 songs. In 1963 Marley’s band was called “The Teenagers”. The then changed their name to “The Wailing Rudeboys” then to “The Wailing Wailers”. Finally their name was changed to “The Wailers”. Marley became interested in Rastafari beliefs. In 1966 2 members left the Wailers leaving it to Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh.

(Marley (Center) with the Wailers in 1966)

Also in 1966 Marley married Rita Anderson and moved to Wilmington, Delaware, USA for a short time.

(Marley (Left) with Rita Anderson)

After returning to Jamaica Marley officially converted to Rastafari. In 1972 Marley signed with CBS Records.

(Marley in 1972)

The Wailers then toured with Johnny Nash. The Wailers then were signed to Island Records. In 1973 The Wailers released “Catch a Fire” and “Burnin’”. The single “I Shot the Sheriff” gained a lot of attention and reached No. 1 on the Billboard hot 100.

(Marley in 1974)

The Wailers then opened 4 shows for Sly & the Family Stone. In 1974 the Wailers broke up. Marley still recorded under “Bob Marley & The Wailers”. In 1975 Marley had an international hit with the single “No Woman, No Cry”.

(Marley in 1975)

In 1976 his album “Rastaman Vibration” reached the top 50 in the Billboard Soul chart. During a concert in Jamaica Marley and his wife was wounded by a gunshot. Marley still performed even after being shot twice.

(Marley after being shot)

Marley then left Jamaica in 1976 and went to England. While in London Marley was arrested for marijuana possession. In 1977 Marley was diagnosed with cancer. In 1978 Marley moved back to Jamaica. In 1979 Marley released “Survival” which showed his strong opposition to South African apartheid. In 1980 Marley performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebration.

(Marley in Zimbabwe in 1980)

In 1980 Marley released his last album “Uprising”. In September of 1980 Marley performed his last concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

(Marley in 1980)

On May 11th, 1981 Bob Marley died of cancer in Miami, Florida, USA. He was 36 years old.

(Marley’s funeral)

Today is his 72nd birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Bob Marley.

Albums by Bob Marley and the Wailers

• “The Wailing Wailers” (1965)
• “Soul Rebels” (1970)
• “Soul Revolution” (1971)
• “Catch a Fire” (1973)
• “Burnin'” (1973)
• “Natty Dread” (1974)
• “Rastaman Vibration” (1976)
• “Exodus” (1977)
• “Kaya” (1978)
• “Survival” (1979)
• “Uprising” (1980)
• “Confrontation” (1983)  

Videos of Bob Marley

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBw6N8MDCb0  “Bob Marley Denouncing Material Things (Riches)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTY8H7zjdtc  “One Love Bob Marley official video (HD)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGqrvn3q1oo  “Bob marley "no woman no cry" 1979”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G22vnqYCPTI  “Bob Marley Zimbabwe Independence 1980”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Csk8I3wLmk  “Bob Marley - Redemption Song (Live - Jamaica 1980)”