Teach Garvey in schools
Dear Editor,
June 10 marks 70 years since the death of Marcus Garvey in London. The connection between Marcus Garvey and what is now known as Western Kingston is evident in Liberty Hall at 76 King Street which since 2003 has served the community, particularly children, with a wide range of educational activities.
Liberty Hall – the legacy of Marcus Garvey, 76 King Street – is now a multi-media museum, computer centre, library and with a strong outreach programme to children and adults. This site was developed by Garvey in 1933 and was in use by the movement since 1923. Garvey also served in the KSAC, representing areas from Allman Town to West Kingston from 1930-1934.
After the 1938 revolt, 76 King Street and Edelweiss Park – a mini-stadium on Slipe Road – were focal points for meetings held by nationalist leaders Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley. Many of Garvey’s supporters rallied behind these two leaders and their political parties. What their political successors have done with the legacy is evident in the state of affairs in Kingston in 2010, 70 years after Garvey’s death in 1940. The teaching of Garvey’s philosophy is imperative in our schools and public life, and is a necessary pre-condition for the transformation of Jamaica’s mental and material circumstances.
Rupert Lewis
Professor of Political Thought
Department of Government, UWI
Kingtson 7
rlewis@cwjamaica.com
