Ambassador Anderson Highlights Marcus Garvey’s Enduring Legacy at Ninth Inter-American Week

Placing the legacy of Jamaica’s first National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, at the centre of hemispheric discourse on the contributions, challenges, and rights of people of African descent, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, underscored Mr. Garvey’s enduring relevance.

He argued that the National Hero stands as the defining philosophical voice in the hemisphere’s ongoing struggle for racial equity and self determination.

Ambassador Anderson delivered his remarks while hosting a reflection on the life and work of Marcus Garvey.

The event, held on March 23, formed part of the Ninth Inter American Week for People of African Descent.

It was held in the Gallery of Heroes and Heroines, situated directly above the Marcus Garvey Hall of Culture at OAS headquarters in Washington DC.

The week long observance, held from March 23 to 27, carried the theme ‘Equality that Inspires, Freedom that Transpires, and a Hemisphere that Leads’.

Diplomats, civil society leaders, and OAS officials came together to reaffirm their commitment to the dignity and rights of people of African descent across the Americas.

Ambassador Anderson drew a direct line between the theme of this year’s observance and the life’s work of Marcus Garvey, who was born on August 17, 1887 in St. Ann.

“This theme resonates deeply with the enduring struggles, aspirations, and achievements of people of African descent throughout our hemisphere. It also reflects the ideals and life’s work of one of the greatest sons of the Caribbean and the Americas,” he stated.

The Ambassador outlined Marcus Garvey’s monumental role as founder and first President General of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA), widely regarded as the largest mass movement of people of African descent in modern history.

He traced the global reach of Garveyism – a philosophy rooted in self reliance, racial pride, economic empowerment, and unity across the African Diaspora.

Ambassador Anderson affirmed that the influence of Marcus Garvey and the movement he helped ignite can be traced in the civil rights movement and in anti colonial thought across the Caribbean and Africa.

This declaration places Jamaica’s most celebrated son at the very heart of the hemisphere’s democratic and human rights tradition.

The address also highlighted the OAS Main Building’s historic connection to Garvey’s enduring legacy.

In August 1980, more than 700 people assembled at OAS headquarters for the unveiling of a bust of Marcus Garvey in the Hall of Heroes – now fittingly renamed the Gallery of Heroes and Heroines.

The Marcus Garvey Hall of Culture was subsequently inaugurated within the building in 2008.

“Jamaica expresses deep appreciation to the Organization of American States for these important and meaningful tributes, which ensure that Marcus Garvey’s vision and legacy continue to inspire generations throughout the hemisphere,” Ambassador Anderson stated.

He linked the National Hero’s enduring philosophy to the cultural voice of reggae icon Bob Marley, who carried many of Mr. Garvey’s teachings to global audiences through his music.

Ambassador Anderson cited Bob Marley’s timeless call to ‘Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds’, as a powerful expression of Garveyite self determination, ensuring that Mr. Garvey’s words reverberate far beyond the lecture hall or political podium.

He reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to building societies and institutions grounded in equality, justice, dignity, and opportunity for all people of the hemisphere.

“Let us carry its spirit forward, so that the ideals Marcus Garvey, lived and fought for – dignity, self-determination, unity, and justice – are not confined to history but are built into the future,” he urged delegates.

Ambassador Anderson was joined by Her Excellency Ambassador Laura Gil, Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. Ambassador Gil spoke of her personal appreciation for Mr. Garvey’s work and emphasised the importance of his legacy to the hemisphere and to the OAS.

The programme was further enriched by a poetic recitation by Ian Edwards, who delivered well-known poems by Marcus Garvey – ‘Freedom’s Noble Cause’ and ‘Man to Man’, bringing to life the National Hero’s enduring words and philosophy.

An interpretive tribute was delivered by Dr. Claire Nelson, who powerfully engaged the audience with her presentation.

Her contribution underscored the importance of preserving and advancing Marcus Garvey’s teachings for present and future generations.

Also present in the audience was a large group of students visiting from Washington University in Seattle, Washington State.