Marcus Garvey Day is observed on August 17 every year. It honors the anniversary of the birth of Marcus Moziah Garvey, a Jamaican political activist and the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Born on Aug. 17, 1887, Garvey organized the first important American Black nationalist movement (1919–1926), based in New York City’s Harlem. His teachings and philosophies are as relevant today as they were 100 years ago.
The Government of Jamaica declared Marcus Garvey Day on Aug. 17, 2012. The Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen, read the Proclamation on Aug. 17, 2012, at a wreath-laying ceremony held at National Heroes Park in Kingston.
“From here on every year this time, all of us here in Jamaica will be called to mind to remember this outstanding national hero and what he has done for us as a people, and our children will call this to mind also on this day,” the Gov. General said.
While the day is set aside to focus on the outstanding contribution of Marcus Garvey, it is not a public holiday.
Marcus Garvey’s Influence on Natural Hair and Hair Discrimination Today
Garvey’s influence extended beyond political activism to cultural identity, particularly in relation to natural hair. The original “back to natural hair movement” began with the Garveyites, acolytes of Garvey’s early 20th-century back-to-Africa movement. This movement encouraged Black people to embrace their natural hair textures, a bold choice that challenged societal norms of the time.
Hair discrimination remains a widespread issue today despite Garvey’s efforts. A recent study showed that Black women’s hair was two-and-a-half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional. Although some states have adopted the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, hair discrimination is not prohibited at a federal level in the United States.
RELATED: The CROWN Act and Identifying Hair Discrimination in the Workplace
Another example of hair discrimination is the case of Darryl George, a Black high-school student from Texas. His battle with Barbers Hill High School started when he faced multiple in-school suspensions for his natural locs. School officials said his hair violated the district’s dress code for male students because it fell below his eyebrows and ear lobes. He missed most of his regular classes in his junior year as a result.
Despite suing the school district and state officials for violation of the CROWN Act, a federal judge dismissed most of the claims, including race-based enforcement. However, the judge upheld George’s claim of sex discrimination, questioning the dress code’s distinction between male and female students. This case underscores the ongoing battle against hair discrimination and the need for broader enforcement of laws like the CROWN Act.
READ: The Roots of Natural Hair Discrimination
Honoring Marcus Garvey Day in the Workplace
There are many ways for employers to honor Marcus Garvey Day. Here are a few suggestions for creating a more inclusive workplace:
Education: Share information about Marcus Garvey’s life, his contributions and his influence on natural hair acceptance. This can be done through newsletters, presentations or workshops.
Inclusion: Encourage employees to express their cultural identity, including natural hair styles. This can help create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Policy Review: Review company policies to ensure they do not discriminate against natural hair styles. If necessary, update these policies to prohibit hair discrimination.
Employers can promote a fair workplace culture by honoring Marcus Garvey Day. This action respects and values the contributions of all employees, aligning with Garvey’s teachings of self-belief, positive self-esteem and self-respect. Additionally, it helps create a more equitable and inclusive society.
