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Marcus Garvey's Light of Freedom

The Flame of Black Liberation

By Geoffrey Philp Published 5 months ago 2 min read
Runner-Up in Abecedarian Challenge
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1. "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots."

2. "Black Star Line. I am going home on the Black Star Line. I am going home, going home, I am going home, sweet home on the Black Star Line."

3. "Chance has never yet satisfied the hope of a suffering people."

4. "Do not remove the kinks from your hair—remove them from your brain."

5. "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."

6. "Freedom—the truer liberty—the truer Democracy"--our people's birthright.

7. "God and Nature first made us what we are, and then out of our own created genius we make ourselves what we want to be."

8. Harlem had never seen a leader like Marcus-one who'd die for us.

9. "I am," he said simply. "I am," with no apology.

10. "Justice -- justice-- justice. I would not betray my struggling race. If I did, I should be thrown into the nethermost parts of hell."

11. "Know yourself and feel there is no human master."

12. "Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men."

13. "Men who are in earnest are not afraid of consequences."

14. "Nationhood is the only means by which modern civilization can completely protect itself."

15. "One God, One Aim, One Destiny."

16. "Preparedness is the watchword of this age."

17. "Question God for His love...question Him for His mercy." -children of the Most High.

18. Red, Black, and Green flags were our response to the song "Every Race Has a Flag but the Coon."

19. "Self-reliance, the vision of self and the future have been the only means by which the oppressed have seen and realized the light of their own freedom."

20. "The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness."

21. "Up, up you mighty people. Accomplish what you will!"

22. Victory is our crown. "Let Africa be free. Advance to meet the foe with the might of the Red, the Black, and the Green."

23. Warriors for justice, I've chosen you from among the nations to be instruments of peace.

24. Xenophilia was his answer to unite "Africans at home and abroad."

25. Yearning to be free, yet despised and rejected, he became a man of sorrow.

26. "Zeal for your house has eaten me up; the reproaches on my enemies have fallen on me."

inspirational
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About the Creator

Geoffrey Philp

I am a Jamaican writer. I write poems (haiku & haibun), stories & essays about climate change, Marcus Garvey, music icons such as Bob Marley, and the craft of writing. For more info, visit my webpage: https://www.geoffreyphilp.com/

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insight

  1. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

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Comments (8)

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  • Judith Harris3 months ago

    Inspirational! Each line an invocation.

  • Tracy Kreuzburg 4 months ago

    🎊 Congrats!

  • D.K. Shepard4 months ago

    Congrats! What a great concept and excellent execution!

  • Test4 months ago

    Powerful. Congratulations.

  • Dana Crandell4 months ago

    A very well-written piece. Congratulations on the recognition!

  • Test4 months ago

    wonderful piece

  • Randy Baker4 months ago

    Congrats, Geoffrey! Good to see your name/work get some recognition in the Abecedarian Challenge!

  • Anna 4 months ago

    Beautiful abecedarian!😍🥰

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