Liberation and Education: Reflections of Marcus Garvey

“Education is the medium by which a people are prepared for the creation of their own particular civilization, and the advancement and glory of their own race.”- Marcus Garvey. We often talk about education as a right; however, there are many barriers to access and this is problematic. The result is quality education is often linked to one’s wealth. August 17 is the 139th anniversary of the birth of National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Each year a number of events are held to commemorate Garvey’s birth. One of the most noticeable events is that of the annual lecture. This year’s lecture was given by Professor Donna Hope of the University of the West Indies and held at Liberty Hall in Kingston. Even while we sat and listened attentively to the professor, there are a number of questions we must ask ourselves, such as, what is the impact of the structural inequalities of the current education system which provides different outcomes to different students based on social indicators. Another pertinent question should be is there a difference between education and liberation of the mind? As we reflect on Garvey’s legacy on this his birth anniversary we ponder what have we learnt as a society from Garvey. Marcus Garvey was an advocate for liberation of the mind. In many of Garvey’s writings and theories Garvey expounded how important it is for our minds to be liberated with knowledge. However, liberation of the mind is both intentional and strategic. Yet, we have been deliberate in not having the teaching of history education in all our secondary schools. This therefore means students can complete 5 to 7 years of secondary school without being exposed to Jamaican history. The society is already beset by a number of social ills such as a lack of self confidence, especially by those of darker skin hues. The Jamaican society is also grappling with the issue of identity. The youth are directionless. Our students have no historical reference for many of the socio-cultural issues of the present time. The pervasiveness of skin bleaching among the populace is a clear indicator that many of us are not pleased with our skin tone. The policing of Black hair is another issue that the teachings of Marcus Garvey can assist us to understand. Garvey believed people of African descent could establish a great independent nation in their ancient homeland of Africa. Garvey was an advocate for racial pride by celebrating the African past and encouraging African Americans to be proud of their heritage and proud of the way they looked. Garvey proclaimed "Black is beautiful" long before it became popular in the 1960s. Garvey wanted African Americans to see themselves as members of a mighty race. "We must canonize our own saints, create our own martyrs, and elevate to positions of fame and honor black men and women who have made their distinct contributions to our racial history." He encouraged parents to give their children "dolls that look like them to play with and cuddle," and he did not want Black people thinking of themselves in a defeatist way. "I am the equal of any white man; I want you to feel the same way." Is there a difference between Education and Liberation of the Mind?. So many of us have acquired degrees and other forms of academic qualifications yet our minds are still enslaved in colonial trappings. Garvey was particularly concerned about the mental slavery of the Black race. Education is the structured process of acquiring knowledge and skills, while liberation of the mind is the deeper freedom to think critically, question assumptions, and transform one’s reality. Education can be a tool for liberation, but without critical engagement, it risks becoming mere conditioning rather than true freedom. To what extent is Jamaica’s education system gearing our students to be critical thinkers? Are we only preparing our students to pass examinations? At the end of primary education our students sit the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination. Students are then placed at high schools based primarily on their scores. These scores at the end of primary education are then mapped onto one of three pathways. Disappointedly, none of these pathways have a strong history/civics basis for community engagement. The rowdy and sometimes vulgar manner of some of our students, as well as how the populace behaves in public spaces speaks to a lack of self esteem and identity. We must ask ourselves what type of Jamaican citizens do we wish to have. To what extent is the Jamaican education system preparing our students for this ideal citizen? As we reflect on this important day, let us make a collective and conscious effort to continue the legacy of Garvey. Such a powerful and enduring legacy is one of fostering hope, pride and black consciousness and awareness of self. Let us use Garvey’s work to scaffold our sense of personhood and charity. Garvey was not a selfish man. He shared his knowledge and wisdom with all who were willing to hear. Undoubtedly, the teachings of Garvey would certainly make a difference in these contexts. The ball is now in the court of the government to revisit the National Standards Curriculum (NSC) and infuse the teachings of Garvey. Let us be calculated in utilizing education for the liberation of our minds. One example of this is using the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ) in showcasing more of Garvey’s work and philosophies. More educational trips are needed to places like Liberty Hall where students can interact with the technology at the museum while learning about Jamaica’s first national hero. We need to reimagine education and in so doing place the interests of students at the center. Let us bring back Civics in our schools. True empowerment comes when education becomes liberatory. In the words of Marcus Garvey, a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo ©