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| Dr. Julius Garvey pictured at Centre, surrounded by Members of the ACRM |
Yesterday, Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Jamaica's first National Hero and world-renowned Pan Africanist the Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey paid a courtesy call to the President of the University of Technology, Jamaica Prof. Stephen Vasciannie. Dr. Garvey, who now resides in New York, was invited by the African Cultural Renaissance Movement (ACRM) to visit the University as our special guest, as part of the organisation’s Heroes Week Celebration.
Welcome by the President
Dr. Garvey, who was accompanied by Dr. Michael Barnett, a lecturer at the University of West Indies was greeted by Deputy President Prof. Colin Gyles on his arrival, who guided him to the President’s Conference room. He was received by Prof. Vasciannie who welcomed him to the University and presented him with a copy of the compilation of the most recent research publications from the staff of UTech, Ja. Dr. Garvey also autographed an official visitor’s log book.
Dr. Garvey, who was accompanied by Dr. Michael Barnett, a lecturer at the University of West Indies was greeted by Deputy President Prof. Colin Gyles on his arrival, who guided him to the President’s Conference room. He was received by Prof. Vasciannie who welcomed him to the University and presented him with a copy of the compilation of the most recent research publications from the staff of UTech, Ja. Dr. Garvey also autographed an official visitor’s log book.
Representatives from the executive body from the ACRM who
were also present at the conference room, included Mr. Kevaughn Fraser, the organisation’s
current President, Mr. Benjamin Asamoah, Club Overseer, Ms. Mellanie Barrett,
Assistant Vice President, Mr. Kemo Fong,
Immediate Past President, Mr. Rowen A. Johnson, Ex Officio as well as Dr. Earl
Bailey, lecturer from the Faculty of the Built Environment.
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| Pictured from left to right, Prof. Colin Gyles, Deputy President of the UTech, Ja, Prof. Stephen Vasciannie, President of the UTech, Ja and Dr. Julius Garvey, son of National Hero the Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey |
Marcus Garvey's Influence
The group engaged in a wide ranging discussion surrounding Marcus Garvey, from his impact on major movements and their leaders to the economic components of his teachings, as well as his philosophies on blacks and black culture. On the subject of Garvey's influence, Dr. Barnett mentioned the fact that Elijah Mohammed, former leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI), was influenced by Marcus Garvey, and was, in fact, a member of the UNIA, prior to his involvement with the NOI.
The group engaged in a wide ranging discussion surrounding Marcus Garvey, from his impact on major movements and their leaders to the economic components of his teachings, as well as his philosophies on blacks and black culture. On the subject of Garvey's influence, Dr. Barnett mentioned the fact that Elijah Mohammed, former leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI), was influenced by Marcus Garvey, and was, in fact, a member of the UNIA, prior to his involvement with the NOI.
Mr. Asamoah, who is originally from Ghana, also stated that
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of independent Ghana, after reading the
“Philosophies and Opinions of Marcus Garvey” implemented those same teachings
to develop his nation before he was ousted. The discussion concluded with
the group all agreeing that a conversation must first be had, and then
appropriate steps be taken for Garvey’s teachings to be included in the
curriculum at all levels, from primary to tertiary education, given the impact
that he has had as well as the efficacy of his teachings.
In honour of Amy Jacques Garvey
From the President’s Conference room, Dr. Garvey, and the
ACRM executive made their way to the Amy Jacques Garvey Hall, an all-female
dormitory, which was
named in honour of his mother, who notably was on hand at its opening in
1971. Dr. Garvey was welcomed by cheers and applause by the young ladies who
were present. He bid them greetings and thanked them for the warm reception. Dr. Garvey was then given a tour of the residence, which had been refurbished
some two years ago.
In honour of Amy Jacques Garvey
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| Dr. Julius Garvey pictured with residents of the Amy Jacques Garvey Hall |
Visit to ACRM's New Office
Dr. Garvey’s final stop on his visit was the new offices of
the African Cultural Renaissance Movement, which the organisation has occupied
for the past two years. While there, he was given a tour of the building and
received a complete history of the ACRM dating back to 1971.
He was particularly impressed by the fact that the organisation had managed to
continue to operate successfully for some 46 years. The ACRM expressed appreciation to Dr. Garvey, for visiting the organisation, also highlighting the significance of
Marcus Garvey’s teachings in the club’s value system, with him being the source
of inspiration for the organisation’s motto, “Upliftment through Education.” Dr.
Garvey departed, leaving the executive with words of motivation. He thanked the
ACRM for the work they have done to build on the legacy of his father, and encouragement them to continue to strive towards achieving their objective
of promoting African Culture on campus.
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