Marcus Garvey Biography

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Biography Part 9 - Return to Jamaica and Establishment of the PPP

After returning to Jamaica, Garvey focused his energy on two projects, a daily newspaper called "The Blackman" and the establishment of Jamaica's first modern political party, the People's Political Party. The PPP campaigned for self-governance, workers' rights, land reform, education and aid to the poor. In 1929 Marcus Garvey was elected Councilor for his constituency of Alman Town in Kingston. However, Garvey soon lost the seat on account of serving a prison sentence for contempt of court but was subsequently re-elected in 1930. Also, in 1930, Garvey's son "Marcus" was born to Amy Jacques Garvey, their second son, Julius Winston Garvey was born in August 1933.

Garvey then embarked on two further ventures whilst in Jamaica. The first was the "Edelweiss Amusement Company" to showcase the artistic talents of poor Jamaicans. The Edelweiss Amusement Company launched several successful Jamaican artists such as Ranny Williams and Una Marson. The second was "The New Jamaican", an evening newspaper which began life in July 1932 but had its presses seized to pay debts in 1933. Garvey moved back to England in 1935, leaving his wife and sons in Jamaica.

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