Marcus Garvey - serial Entrepreneur  Visionary

Marcus Garvey was born in Jamaica on the 17th August 1887. He moved to the United States in 1916 where he established the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) headquarters in New York. Garvey had founded the UNIA in Jamaica. The Association’s aim was to uplift Black people worldwide through encouraging ownership and economic freedom.

At the heart of Garvey’s entrepreneurship was the Black Star Line shipping company launched in 1919. Let’s pause for a second. Yes, a Black man founded a  whole shipping company in 1919.

The Black Star Line was a symbol of Black self-reliance, the aim was to connect people of African descent across America, the Caribbean, and Africa through trade and transport, Garvey was a visionary. He managed to raise millions from ordinary working class Black folks, such as factory workers, porters and farmers. Investors were contributing to an enterprise literally built for them.

Another UNIA initiative was the Negro Factories Corporation co launched by Garvey. The Corporation included a grocery store, a restaurant, clothing factories and a printing press. The goal was to employ Black people and keep the Black dollar circulating in Black hands. In Garvey’s words 'A race without authority and power is a race without respect.' Although short lived the Corporation showed what was possible.

Marcus Garvey’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t smooth sailing. The Black Star Line faced sabotage, mismanagement, and relentless scrutiny from the U.S. government. In 1923 Garvey was convicted of mail fraud, a charge seen as racially and politically motivated to disrupt the progression of the movement. He was deported back to Jamaica in 1927, however his vision never died.

During the 1930's Marcus Garvey lived in London where he continued the work of the UNIA. Whilst living in Britain Garvey’s health started to fail and he died in London in 1940. He was just 52 years of age.

Although not everyone agreed with his views and to some he was a controversial figure, it’s undeniable that Marcus Garvey’s vision inspired countless individuals and leaders worldwide. In 2025 the U.S. President Joe Bidden posthumously pardoned Marcus Garvey finally recognising the injustice of his conviction.

One of the Black Star Liner vessels

Black Star Liner share certificate

Read about Marcus Garvey the activist HERE.