Marcus Garvey

Marcus Garvey, a pivotal Pan-Africanist leader, passionately advocated for Black empowerment in the 20th century. He envisioned a united Africa and founded the Black Star Line to facilitate repatriation, although it ultimately never set sail. Garvey’s influence is felt in the legacies of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The podcast explores his struggle against societal challenges, his contrasting views with W.E.B. Du Bois, and how his message of self-worth continues to resonate in today’s movements, inspiring generations.

Colin Grant, a writer and historian, delves into the harmful legacy of racist coon songs and their impact on Black identity. He reflects on the historical significance of the red, black, and green flag, created by Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born labor organizer who championed Black empowerment. The conversation navigates the tensions of the early civil rights movement and highlights the flag's role in uniting Black communities worldwide. Listeners gain insights into the enduring symbolism of both the Pan-African flag and the Juneteenth flag as expressions of identity and freedom.