Marcus Garvey Festival Showcases Pan-African Heritage and Legacy

Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican émigré who established himself in Harlem, became a prominent advocate for Black empowerment and the “Back to Africa” initiative during the early 1920s before his 1927 deportation to Jamaica. On August 17, he was commemorated for his pivotal role in the Pan-African movement.Approximately 75 attendees joined the Marcus Garvey Community Organizing Festival at Estate Farms, situated 25 miles east of Sacramento. The festival featured an amalgamation of reggae, rap, and drumming, alongside artists celebrating Black heritage, delicious barbecue, fresh fruits, and complimentary beverages. The estate was adorned with African tarps and red, green, and black balloons, reflecting the colors of South Africa’s African National Congress.Co-organizer Keon Johnson emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “Everyone got a moment to show what they’re about.” The festival was a call for unity and resilience within the Black community, reinforcing the belief that collective effort leads to empowerment.

Image Credit: (Wikipedia Commons)