The Tragedy of White Injustice

by Marcus Garvey

When he published its third edition from London, Garvey described The Tragedy of White Injustice in these terms: It must be remembered that this is not an attempt at poetry: it is just a peculiar style of using facts as they impress me as I go through the pages of history and as I look at and note the conduct of the white race. Garvey wrote this epic poem while in an Atlanta prison. Its first and second editions were published while he was serving a five-year sentence as the result of the white man's prejudice in America. According to him, at the time of publishing the third edition, thousands of copies had already been circulated all over the world. In this foreword to the third edition, Garvey indicated that Mussolini's savage like efforts to conquer Abyssinia inspired its publication.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

29 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2020

About the author

Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jr., National Hero of Jamaica, was a publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, Black Nationalist, Pan-Africanist, and orator. Marcus Garvey was founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL).

Garvey was unique in advancing a Pan-African philosophy to inspire a global mass movement focusing on Africa known as Garveyism. Promoted by the UNIA as a movement of African Redemption, Garveyism would eventually inspire others, ranging from the Nation of Islam, to the Rastafari movement (which proclaims Garvey as a prophet). The intention of the movement was for those of African ancestry to "redeem" Africa and for the European colonial powers to leave it.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short collection of poems by the Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey. The poems included illustrate Garvey’s beliefs on black nationalism, African history, and black separatism.

[Bob Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important story

Short work tells an important story; one that influenced many to stand ground as the truth of White control were coming to light and would be addressed by patience and perservance. Garvey was an important factor in the black resistance to white repression and privileged status while providing hope for a better life. This poetic narrative states it all and is easy to read and follow..an important piece in the history of the long search for a better life .

[Nathan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tantalizing morsel

This poem is almost like prose. It declares its point of view without apology. I was reading another book by Mr. Garvey. This poem was recommended. It has short, pithy sayings that stay with you. I recommend it.

[Frank Lomax IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his infinite wisdom, Marcus Garvey describes the ills of the white race perfectly.

[Kevin D Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today Read from the Past

Excellent view from the past that can apply to today’s issues almost in the exact metaphor, amazing how little things change, great read.