President Joe Biden, on his final weekend in office, issued a posthumous pardon for Marcus Garvey, a Black nationalist leader whose vision of racial pride and self-determination profoundly influenced the civil rights movement and figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Garvey, who was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s, was deported to his native Jamaica after serving prison time. He passed away in 1940.
Advocates, including prominent congressional leaders, have long argued that Garvey’s conviction was politically motivated and aimed at suppressing his rising influence. Known for spearheading the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and championing Black economic independence, Garvey remains a pivotal figure in Black history. His pardon is seen by many as a step toward correcting the historical wrongs against a leader who Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once described as “the first man, on a mass scale and level,” to inspire dignity and purpose among millions of Black people.
Garvey’s pardon is part of a broader wave of clemency issued by Biden in the final days of his presidency, making him the record-holder for the most individual pardons and commutations in U.S. history. In addition to Garvey, Biden granted pardons and commutations to advocates for immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and gun violence prevention, alongside notable figures like Don Scott, the first Black Speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates.
This pardon reignites the conversation about Garvey’s legacy and the systemic challenges faced by Black leaders in early 20th-century America. It also raises questions about how history may judge such actions, especially as the U.S. grapples with the long-standing effects of racial injustice.
Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914, continues to influence music and culture globally. His philosophies of black pride, liberation, and self-sufficiency have shaped various genres and inspired musicians worldwide. Here are four ways Garvey has impacted the music industry:
- Inspired the Rastafarian Movement
Garvey’s ideas of black pride and liberation influenced the Rastafarian movement, which has been central to reggae music’s global rise. Artists like Bob Marley often referenced Garvey, and reggae remains a popular genre, ranking 10th globally in 2022, according to IFPI. - Promoted Pan-Africanism
Garvey’s vision of African unity inspired early musicians like Fela Kuti to incorporate African rhythms into their work, leading to the rise of Afrobeat. Today, artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems are leading a global Afrobeats renaissance. Burna Boy’s chart-topping success reflects the growing international recognition of African music. - Encouraged Black Entrepreneurship
Garvey’s call for self-sufficiency motivated musicians to establish their own businesses, like Jay-Z with Roc Nation. Jay-Z, a billionaire, celebrates black entrepreneurship and generational wealth in his music, continuing Garvey’s legacy of empowering black communities. - Celebrated Black Beauty
Garvey advocated for racial pride and the celebration of black features, inspiring artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna. Both have built billion-dollar empires in music and beauty, showcasing black excellence and challenging industry inequities. Rihanna, for example, has leveraged her music success into a thriving beauty and fashion empire.
