Numerous scholars have chipped in on the Marcus Garvey debate, each opinion as diverse as the other. Seemingly, all that they can seem to agree on is his roots. This equivocality has been compounded by the dearth of historical documentation or rather interest by scholars on his politics of separatism. Regardless, both sides of this divide of separatism and integration agree on his roots and nature. This is evidenced by his ability to compel the hearts of thousands of blacks, whether from North America, the Caribbean, and Africa. They all agree that Marcus Garvey was a prominent figure in the global political scene in the early 20th Century. Although this response features Dubois too, it mainly aims to contrast the difference in the political mindset of these two influential figures.
Dubois speech highlights his ambitions and his aspirations for the African Americans. The second article is an acerbic piece on Dubois’ thoughts on Marcus Garvey’s politics (Du Bois, 1923). These ideas are set in the backdrop of the early 20th Century where the blacks in the United States are mainly composed of emigrants from the Caribbean and those born and raised up in America. These two articles further reveal the split that is inherent in this society. The split is based on color, ideology and financial status. The split is highlighted by how Dubois tears into Marcus Garvey stopping short of calling him a con artist who preys on the hopes and aspirations of his race.
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As stated previously, the two articles show a split in ideologies in the achievement of equal status. Dubois advocates for peaceful means or integration (Hahn, 2009). He believes that both races can peacefully coexist. He believes that the African Americans have a right to determine the direction in which their country ought to take. This can be achieved primarily by allowing them to vote, granting them equal rights. He derides the violence whether taken in the achievement of this objective or that taken to silence his struggle. His audience is primarily working-class African Americans. This speech was meant for those living in the South. The South was predominantly made up of African Americans who worked on farms. He advocated for equality in every social, economic and political sphere.
The second article by Dubois castigates Marcus Garvey. The article portrays Garvey as a foreigner who is out of place in a new world where he tries to propagate his plebeian views. He brings the solidity of Marcus’ character into question portraying how he shifts loyalties depending on convenience. He believes his politics of separatism serves only to widen the racial divide in the country. Whereas biracial citizens are considered white in Jamaica, they are mostly identified as black in America. Dubois makes a solid point on the difference of culture in the West Indies and the United States.
Although he points out Garvey as a ‘foreigner’ out of his depth, he fails to recognize the depth of Garvey’s importance to the political scene. Garvey’s importance is highlighted by his grassroots connection. His sphere of influence is almost, if not, global. He appeals mostly to the working-class who have experienced less advancement than their middle-class peers. Dubois mainly appeals to the middle-class as they are less likely to wish to upset their current status. Hence, they tend to identify with his ethos of peaceful advocacy.
Although Dubois has a better idea of his country’s culture, Garvey is in better touch with the African Americans’ needs as the working class form the bulk of their population. Garvey’s reach is evidenced by the high number of chapters of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). His influence is shown by the setting up of black settlements in the South. This shows that quite a considerable number of citizens had adopted his belief that mutual respect could only be achieved through economic and political intimidation.
Dubois’ piece on Garvey almost shows an intolerant view on non-American Blacks. He believes that they hardly share the same challenges. This shows a man who is concentrated on the local struggle of his people. His disdain may have accentuated his offhand attitude to West Indies politics/ liberation for Harvey (Rudwick, 1959). Garvey believes in a united Africa, regardless of the location of the Negro. His belief is almost reminiscent of the biblical history of Canaan. He attempts to further the Negro agenda economically and fails (Grant, 2010). Dubois ‘gladly’ points this out. As stated previously, it could be argued that Garvey had a better sense of the political and social undercurrents at the time. This is evidenced by the contributions made by working-class African Americans to his cause. Although they wanted the right to vote, economic empowerment was also a huge driving force.
Garvey believed in pan-Africanism (M'bayo, 2004). Dubois, on the other hand, was intent on achieving equality solely in America. His views on Garvey show perhaps an intolerant view on non-American blacks. Garvey sells the idea of a united Africa to instill purpose in his followers. His message is so strong that it brooks the interest of colonialist powers
From the articles discussed, it can be surmised that the Black struggle was not only based on color but also ideology. They reveal the different waves of thought and how they contributed to the struggle. Regardless of the success or partial success, each movement/ ideology contributed in its way. It also reveals a power struggle between the different factions, each trying to find legitimacy in its beliefs. That is why Garveyites persist to the present day. The three articles serve to highlight the complexity of the struggle of blacks. It was not only about ideology but also about men and their vagaries.
References
Du Bois, W. E. (1923). Back to Africa. Century Magazine, pp. 539-548.
Grant, C. (2010). Negro with a Hat: The Rise and Fall of Marcus Garvey. Oxford University Press.
Hahn, S. (2009). The Political Worlds of Slavery and Freedom. In S. Hahn, Marcus Garvey, The UNIA, and the Hidden Political History of African Americans.
M'bayo, T. E. (2004). W. E. B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, and Pan-Africanism in Liberia, 1919–1924. The Historian, 19-44.
Rudwick, E. (1959). DuBois versus Garvey: Race Propagandists at War. The Journal of Negro Education, 421-429.
