Journal on Garvey expands - Second '76 King Street' more diverse

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

On Wednesday evening, Nicosia Shakes, editor of the second volume of 76 King Street, pointed out some key differences from the first. The publication, subtitled 'Journal of Liberty Hall: The Legacy of Marcus Garvey', first appeared in 2009.

Shakes, former research officer with Liberty Hall, pointed out that physically, the second volume is much larger than the first. Thematically, it is also more expansive, as that first volume focused on papers from a 2007 conference. Volume two contains 10 contributions by authors from five countries, Section One featuring authors who have done extensive research on Garvey and Section Two containing notable papers on Garvey and his movement.

She told those who attended the launch at The Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, "we hope you will be excited by it when you read it," noting that it aims to follow up on the enormous success of the first volume.

Professor Rupert Lewis, who hosted the launch, explained that the journal's purpose is "to explore the breadth and scope of a movement that continues to have an impact on the modern world - the Garvey movement". However, guest speaker Barbara Gloudon looked at Jamaica's global impact in the context of what is happening in the country. In looking at "bridging that gap between our global excellence and social improvement", she said, "we are grappling with the gap between our creativity and that other part of ourselves, because the barbarism is part of who we are".

"These tensions are within all of us. Some are able to control it, some use it creatively," she said.

Critical moment

Observing the tension between the public and media, at home and abroad, Gloudon said, "It is as if Garvey turns up at particular points where we need him. We are reaching a point where media is at one of its most critical moments, globally. One of the questions Garvey wrestled with was the relationship between him and the media".

Gloudon linked the current media uproar to three quotes from Garvey and took a caustic look at the use of women in some advertisements.

"How glorious to see yourself in the paper with your boobs showing. Better than nothing at all," she said.

She spoke of the impact of the Little Theatre Movement's 'Letters for Emancipendence', adding that there is a need for excellence and encouragement. "A nation dedicated to chopping off people head is in a bad state," she said.

And part of that 'bad state' is the level of consumerism. While Gloudon did not reference Garvey's poem 'Keep Cool' as she closed, one aspect of supposed 'cool' was called into question. "As long as we can drink, listen a tune, see a show, we cool. We not cool," Gloudon said.

In bringing greetings on behalf of Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange, Sydney Bartley, noted that there will be a significant number of anniversaries next year, among them Garvey's 125th birthday, Jamaica's 50th year of independence and the Ward Theatre's 100th anniversary. Gloudon later added that late actor Ranny Williams' 100th birthday is also in 2012.

"We must ensure that the information is passed on to our young population," Bartley said.

Donna McFarlane, director/curator of Liberty Hall, acknowledged the contribution of those who helped in the creation and publication of the second volume of 76 King Street.