Use of Garvey’s Philosophy in the new Civics Curriculum

HIGHLIGHTING MARCUS GARVEY The placement of Marcus Garvey within the context of the New Civics Programme is designed to help students to understand themselves in the story of how Marcus Garvey rose from amongst the ranks of the economically disadvantaged, the politically disenfranchised, racially marginalized to impact Brand Jamaica by joining the ranks of the most noted philosophers, by influencing world leaders and the global artistic community. This is one way to establish the link between positive identity, academic excellence and productivity which anchors students in their possibilities. Therefore, for selected themes, a relevant quotation of Marcus Garvey appears and becomes part of the text for that theme. The quote is to be used in the development of the lessons and activities exploring that topic. In this context, the teaching of Garvey builds on the approach of the grades 7-9 Social Studies component                                                                         (Excerpt from the New Civics Curriculum)

            The Right Excellent Marcus Mosaih Garvey is a great man; that is a descriptor that no one can deny him of. He has made great strides both in Jamaica and across the world through his many ventures. He believed that black people can do great things; he believed wholeheartedly in the Black race. Consequently, he engaged in different activities to encourage us to achieve the greatness he believed we can achieve. As the excerpt says, Marcus Garvey faced a myriad of challenges throughout his life. He grew up facing financial constraints, he did not have the privilege of voting and he was a black man and as such he was not seen as being of much value in society. Garvey was born in 1887, a period of post emancipation. During this time the Jamaican people had life very difficult. Financial difficulty was the order of the day for many black Jamaicans as the country was filled with social ills. In that time period, you had to own land in order to be eligible to vote and with black people facing such severe hardships, they did not have money to acquire the amounts of land that was needed for them to have a say in the elections. Being black during that time was seen as a crime by the coloured and white people of society. Once you were black, the other members of society felt as if they were superior to you. Consequently you were seen as the scum of society and were looked down on. Imagine, a black man who faced so many hardships in life grew up to be an internationally recognised individual who had so much influence then and even today 76 years after his death.

            Garvey showed the world that it is not where you are from that defines who you will become or how much you can accomplish. In other words, your beginning does not determine your end. Despite the numerous hurdles one will face in life, it is possible for one to overcome and strive. Many Jamaican students face difficulties, some even face similar difficulties to what Garvey faced. By learning about Garvey, students will be able to relate to him and see that no matter how many hurdles they face in life, it is possible to not only overcome them but to also achieve greatness after overcoming them. By learning about Garvey, students will become motivated and will believe that like Garvey they can be well-accomplished. They will develop a positive attitude towards school and a drive to succeed as they will realise that since Garvey did it is not possible for them to also do it. This will also lead to them having pride in themselves as individuals and also as Jamaicans. Hence I believe that the approach to highlight Marcus Garvey in the New Civics Programme is a brilliant move. The life and work of Marcus Garvey has much to offer to students as it has the potential to positively impact them in enormous ways. Some might say that there are many other great Jamaicans, why choose Garvey? To that I would say, why not choose Marcus Garvey? I would also advice them to go and read upon the life and work of this great man and then re-evaluate the question asked. 

Contributor: Samantha Dwyer

                        Bachelors Degree in Education

                        History and Social Studies

                        Bethlehem Moravian College