Celebrations took place at the National Theatre in Accra to honour the 135th Birthday of the RT. Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey on 17^th August, hosted by MMG Foundation. Theme: Garvey’s Footprint in Africa. 

The event consisted of school competition performances, panel discussion, artists, speeches, food court, exhibition about Marcus Garvey. I had an amazing educational, entertaining and fun day learning about Pan Africanists.

(Elmhurst Independent School)

Marcus Mosiah Garvey was born in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, on August 17, 1887 and died in London on June 10, 1940. Starting an early career as a printer and wrote for many publications, travelled to many countries including England where inequality led him to political and journalism.

In 1914 started the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), in Jamaica. The UNIA, an international organisation, encouraged self-government for black people worldwide, self-help economic projects and protest against racial discrimination. Promoting black self-sufficiency and independence

Marcus Garvey started a shipping company called the Black Star Line in 1919 – 1922 to link America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Between the years 1922 – 1924

The Garvey movement had more than 8 million followers know as Garveyites. Leaders of African nationalism bearing the red, black and green flag of African liberation.

Lobby – Within this area was story boards telling the history of Marcus Garvey and the outline of MMG Foundation. 

Alongside a selection of stall holders selling made in Ghana goods, art wear, paintings, clothing, natural products. Outside situated the food court with Caribbean delights and vegetarian food, drinks. 

Auditorium – School Competition. During the day there was amazing performances from 9 schools, dramatising key events through storytelling, dancing, acting, singing and presentation of the life of Marcus Garvey and the Black Liberation struggles for Pan-Africanism. Judges selected the 3 best performances. I would find it difficult to choose as all interpretations executed the brief excellently.

Panel Debate – The evening consisted of a panel discussion on the theme of modern industrialisation of Ghana and Africa.
‘Why not have industrialisation as much as possible – what are we waiting for’
‘The approach should be clear, need a strong belief and making life affordable for people’.

Ghana Caribbean Association – Founded in 1964 to facilitate the integration of people from the Caribbean into Ghanaian society through social networking at meetings, mutual celebrations of life events, annual and cultural events.
It was great catching up with friends from the GCA and Sister Empowerment Circle as we support each other on our journey in Ghana.

Words of Wisdom
One of Marcus Garvey famous quotes is :
“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

At the event I also collected some stickers with quotes.

bless Sister E