Dear Editor,
Would the Government and people of Jamaica still regard our first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, to be so honourable if — at least for argument’s sake — it is proven beyond a shadow of any doubt, from the revelations of authentic historical documents or confessions in a personal secret diary, that he did, indeed, commit the crime for which he was charged, prosecuted, convicted, and later deported to Jamaica?
No way, many may say.
But, are heroes expected to be perfect, near-perfect people, or is it necessary for us to pretend they are?
The venerable is also vulnerable because humans are not infallible. We can learn a lot from the Bible, given Jamaica is traditionally regarded as a Christian country, and most of us have been influenced to some extent by Christianity.
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, the Bible teaches. Biblical hero, the great King David, who wrote the Psalms was, according to the scriptures, chosen and anointed by God. But he was also the same king who impregnated Uriah’s wife and had him killed in an attempted cover-up. Hhmmmh.
Another hero, the apostle Paul, the greatest evangelist, who wrote many books in the New Testament. He was also the same Saul who, before his transformation, with passion persecuted the early Christians.
There we have it. The misdeeds of these heroes have not diminished the importance and significance of their teachings in the Psalms and New Testament or the highest esteem in which those influenced hold these great men.
Garvey deserves no less and must be viewed similarly. The greatest honour is not to clear his name, but follow his teachings. Garvey’s life and teachings have made an indelible impact in lifting the consciousness, pride and self-esteem of the peoples of African descent globally. Many outstanding black leaders and heroes like Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr, and the “greatest of all fighters’’, Muhammad Ali were all inspired by the philosophies of this great Jamaican.
Whatever may have been his mistakes, his contribution and impact are such that, for me, Garvey will remain a hero for all times! Amen.
Daive R Facey
dr.facey@gmail.com
Would the Government and people of Jamaica still regard our first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, to be so honourable if — at least for argument’s sake — it is proven beyond a shadow of any doubt, from the revelations of authentic historical documents or confessions in a personal secret diary, that he did, indeed, commit the crime for which he was charged, prosecuted, convicted, and later deported to Jamaica?
No way, many may say.
But, are heroes expected to be perfect, near-perfect people, or is it necessary for us to pretend they are?
The venerable is also vulnerable because humans are not infallible. We can learn a lot from the Bible, given Jamaica is traditionally regarded as a Christian country, and most of us have been influenced to some extent by Christianity.
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, the Bible teaches. Biblical hero, the great King David, who wrote the Psalms was, according to the scriptures, chosen and anointed by God. But he was also the same king who impregnated Uriah’s wife and had him killed in an attempted cover-up. Hhmmmh.
Another hero, the apostle Paul, the greatest evangelist, who wrote many books in the New Testament. He was also the same Saul who, before his transformation, with passion persecuted the early Christians.
There we have it. The misdeeds of these heroes have not diminished the importance and significance of their teachings in the Psalms and New Testament or the highest esteem in which those influenced hold these great men.
Garvey deserves no less and must be viewed similarly. The greatest honour is not to clear his name, but follow his teachings. Garvey’s life and teachings have made an indelible impact in lifting the consciousness, pride and self-esteem of the peoples of African descent globally. Many outstanding black leaders and heroes like Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr, and the “greatest of all fighters’’, Muhammad Ali were all inspired by the philosophies of this great Jamaican.
Whatever may have been his mistakes, his contribution and impact are such that, for me, Garvey will remain a hero for all times! Amen.
Daive R Facey
dr.facey@gmail.com