Marcus Garvey: Back To Africa? More Like Back To The Drawing Board.

Marcus Garvey’s Misguided Vision: A Call to Abandon What American Freedmen Built
© Philly Word Magazine

 

Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born activist, is often celebrated for his Pan-African ideals and efforts to unite the global African diaspora.

However, his “Back to Africa” movement not only failed but also conflicted with the interests of American Freedmen, the descendants of those emancipated after the Civil War. These individuals, who built the United States through forced labor and profound sacrifice, saw no reason to abandon the country they fought to shape.

Garvey’s primary initiative, the Black Star Line, was established in 1919 as part of his Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). It aimed to transport people of African descent to Africa, yet the project was marred by mismanagement and financial scandal. Garvey and his team lacked the expertise necessary to operate a shipping company.

The purchase of dilapidated ships like the S.S. Yarmouth, which required costly repairs, led to massive financial losses. Worse still, promotional materials for the company included ships they didn’t own, such as the Phyllis Wheatley. This discrepancy became the basis of a mail fraud conviction against Garvey in 1923.

Garvey claimed the charges were politically motivated, yet evidence suggests otherwise. His conviction and subsequent deportation to Jamaica highlighted the unsustainable nature of his operations.

Financial mismanagement, exaggerated claims, and lack of transparency doomed the Black Star Line, leaving many investors—primarily American Freedmen—disillusioned and out of pocket.

Resistance from American Freedmen

Garvey’s vision faced significant resistance from the very people he sought to lead. For American Freedmen, the United States was not merely a place of residence but the land their ancestors built and fought to preserve. They had no tangible ties to Africa, and the idea of relocating to an unfamiliar continent was neither practical nor appealing.

The historical precedent of the American Colonization Society (ACS), which had facilitated migration to Liberia during the early 19th century, provided further reason for skepticism. Many who emigrated to Liberia faced disease, conflict with indigenous populations, and economic instability.

By the time of Garvey’s movement, these failures were well-documented, reinforcing Freedmen’s commitment to claiming their place in the United States rather than fleeing it.

Prominent leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and A. Philip Randolph criticized Garvey for his impracticality and divisive rhetoric. Du Bois called Garvey “unsound” and accused him of fostering dictatorship rather than unity.

Garvey’s lack of personal experience with American slavery and its aftermath only widened the gulf between him and the Freedmen he sought to lead.

Calls for a Pardon and Questions of Treason
In recent years, there has been a push to grant Marcus Garvey a posthumous pardon for his mail fraud conviction.

While some argue that the charges were part of a government conspiracy, Garvey’s actions raise legitimate questions about his intentions and their potential impact on American Freedmen.

Encouraging a mass exodus to Africa—essentially urging Freedmen to abandon their claims to the United States—was a profound affront to the sacrifices of those who fought for inclusion, citizenship, and equality.

Garvey, as a non-citizen, appeared to advocate for dismantling the social and economic progress Freedmen were striving to achieve. Some have questioned whether his actions bordered on treason, given their implications for national unity and the rights of a distinct group within the U.S.

The U.S. government’s opposition to Garvey’s activities can be better understood in this context. While he framed his efforts as empowering, they ultimately undermined the work of Freedmen who were building a future in the nation their ancestors had forged.

A Lesson for Today
Today, movements like the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen aim to address historical injustices and advocate for policies that repair the damage caused by slavery and systemic oppression.

Unlike Garvey’s misguided vision, these efforts focus on securing equity within the United States, the rightful home of American Freedmen.

The legacy of American Freedmen is one of resilience, ingenuity, and sacrifice. The land they built is theirs, and their fight has always been to ensure their contributions are recognized and their rights upheld—not to abandon what their ancestors earned.

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