Marcus Garvey and Racial Education and the Danger of Ignorance

Education is not an end in and of itself. Education has purpose. It has been so since the beginning. The  question of, ‘What purpose is education put?’ for the Afrikan yield unclear answers as a consequence of modern conditions of disruption. In the yesteryears of Afrikan self-determined building of the world’s pinnacle civilisation, the thrust of well-endowed and wholesome Afrikan education was generally both intentional and clear through the grand results of rightful order it produced. Yet, the same souls who educated themselves and achieved the pinnacle examples of civilisation can do so again. It is only the Afrikan that can do this for self and for rightful order to prevail. This time with the levels of security and continuity for eternal Afrikan ascension.

The supreme visionary Marcus Garvey rightfully held fundamental and purposeful education in high regard. Amongst his many other superlative genius-filled talents this great hero remains a wisdom-guide and educator of pinnacle excellence. He insightfully qualifies learning with the expression, ‘racial education’ thus:

“When I say racial education, I mean an education that embraces all the possible knowledge of the world. Every [Afrikan] in his sphere must have himself educated in the superior fashion, so as to be able to deal with his prejudiced competitor…If the [Afrikan] is more intelligent than his competitor he can handle him. Therefore it is the duty of the [Afrikan] to develop a high state of intelligence superior to his adversary’s, and use that education for the means of extricating himself from the hole in which he is placed”.

Afrikan souls throughout the Afrikan world community surely must then restore a level of self-knowingness in the best ways that it is possible to do. This necessitates that some time is made available to engage in the process of learning of self. To do otherwise is to render the dire state of unknowingness of self the victor. In this, Marcus Garvey emphatically warns Afrikan souls that:

“Ignorance is dangerous under any circumstance and condition”.

From the earliest of times the Afrikan dictate of, 'Know Thyself!' is both duty and responsibility for the primary and spirit people of creation. Marcus Garvey etched this well throughout the example of his prolific works. Afrikan souls need only heed the word and act accordingly. Afrikan rising is imperative. 

The inspiration and wisdom guidance of the great Marcus Garvey is surely mission-compelling for Afrikans worldwide. Here, the imperative thrust of independent learning can be energised throughout the levels of the self: