Issue #9
October 4th 2003.
UNIA ADVANCE!
by Whirlwind Storm
Returning to Jamaica from the energy filled UNIA-ACL east coast gathering entitled "Harambee" which was hosted by the New York Divison at the African Orthodox Church in Harlem on Febrauary 28th, I am encouraged and pleased to announce that Garvey may be gone but Garveyism is still at large.
On April 16th-17th the launching of the St. James branch of the UNIA-ACL in Jamaica was held in the city of Montego Bay under the auspices of the Jamaican division. Present as the keynote speaker was the venerable Dr. Tony Martin, UNIA-ACL historian and publisher. Also present were various government representatives including the Minister of Social Welfare Hon. Portia Simpson. Deacon Wolde Madhin, President of the division represented the Universal at the official launching.
Following this, on April 20th, I was fortunate to be present at the Mico College (soon to be University) for the offcial planning committee meeting of the Marcus Garvey Culture Club. The Mico College club which was the result of a UNIA-ACL presentation held at the school during February's black history month program, will be officially launched next semester as a chapter of the UNIA-ACL. Present were six young women and eight gentlemen who were eager to receive the flag of Garveyism and bear it up the heights of triumph. The Mico MGCC showed very sincere interest and desire to communicate with the UNIA confraternity at large and draw upon our fast growing resources. Look to hear from them soon in the pages of the Negro World and the website of the UNIA-ACL. We are expecting great things from these teachers in training who will carry the message of Marcus Garvey to the classrooms of Jamaica and from there to the hearts and minds of generations to come.
In other UNIA news, the Executive Council meeting was held in Philadelphia during the first week of April. The Negro World was further informed that two new charters were received by divisions in the state of Georgia. Bro. Prempeh a former NY Division president will be taking up the helm at one of these new divisions in the southern state. We look forward to good things from the South including the upcoming 3rd East Coast Gathering to be held in Durham, NC on June 5th. Following this, all members should be gearing up for the 47th convention to be hosted this year in Washington, D.C. by Banneker City's #330 Division.
MESSAGE FROM THE 3RD APG UNIA-ACL:
On Saturday May 15th, 2004 in the city of Detroit, Michigan USA, Garvey shall return in the whirlwind to this Motown City. Detroit is historically hailed as the Mecca of Black Nationalism in America. In fact the Garvey Movement and many movements took solid root in the Motown City (one of the largest city's in the world for Black people of African descent). The 28th Annual Parade this year will focus on renaming a large Park after Marcus Garvey, the park will be renamed Marcus Garvey Park of the Cultural Arts and the UNIA-ACL Authur Thomas Division 407 of Detroit under the leadership of District Commissioner Nwalimu Gee and President Mensah Saleem will facilitate and conduct the naming ceremony along with many church groups and organizations.
The Mayor has also endorsed along with many City Council members and this promises to be a very large event. In fact 100,000 are expected this year and every year prior to this year the parade has been large. Over 42 Bands from the state and other states have been invited and Mwalimu tells us the energy is very centered around Garvey and his works, words and deeds. The focus is also on creating science, math and english educational materials for learning aids using music and the arts. Commissioner Mwalimu Gee who has been an active member and leader in the UNIA-ACL for over 30 years and now serves on the Parent Body of the UNIA-ACL and is a Board member of Black Star Enterprise's LLC and a well established artist is asking for our support within the UNIA-ACL of the world.
Of course this Park will become a land mark for Garveyism and the Cultural Arts and this will only be the begginning of what is to follow. Division 407 will need UNIA-AC products, people to work with out reach, and propoganda as well as educational materials to distribute. Your cooperation is being called on now. Mwalimu will be a guest on the 3rd APG Hon. Senghor Baye-El' internet Radio Show Black Star Lion 9 time on Tuesday May 11th, 2004 9 PM to 10 PM eastern standard time on http://www.harambeeradio.com (now under construction up April 1st 2004).
The Parent Body of the UNIA-ACL of the world as already been extended a formal invitation and many of the Parent Body members will be joining our Sec. Gen. and the Commissioner of the area to represent the UNIA-ACL at this historic event. It would also be great if divisions plan to support this event by going to Detroit as well. More detail information will be shared with you all.
If you have any questions or recommendations Please contact Commissioner Mwailimu Gee at his email address and he will be happy to assist you and take your recommendations. wytesphinx@aol.com for details and updates or senghorb@hotmail.com
ONE GOD ONE AIM ONE DESTINY!
NEW JAMAICAN Vol.1
