#united black people

[californiannostalgia]

Something that my therapist said today stuck with me.

America has never been a white country.

This got me thinking. The United States are fundamentally different from Europe. First there was Native people. And then came the immigrants, and European slavery of African people, and immigrants, immigrants, immigrants.

It is very hard to claim ownership to the American identity when so many of us, despite how long we've lived here, do not feel welcomed. Yes, the United States is a center of colonialism. But it is also one of the first postcolonial states. We're not going to have the linearity of European history. We do not serve a king. Monarchy has no place here.

There are always going to be people who go too far, because immigration and exploitation has been what created America, and all immigrants are a little desperate and all exploited people are at the very least angry. It's not something that goes away, even with generations. But it matters that America as a nation-state exists in spite of that. It matters that our defining stories start with "Despite of".

I don't have legal citizenship and I probably never will. But that doesn't stop me from saying I had a home here. That doesn't make it less true that I am a person from here. I am American in the way I smile at people behind the counter in the immigrant-run deli that sells nice sandwiches. I am American in the way I think about personal boundaries and make everyday efforts to try to exist with different people.

There is such a huge spectrum of ways to be American. Evangelical Christianity is not the definition. Rich white suburbia is not the norm. The people in power right now have no understanding of what it means to be American. We live on unceded land, in cities built by enslaved people and impoverished immigrants. Everything of note that was achieved here happened "in spite of."

America has never been a white country.

[dinosaurwithablog]

Truth! 👊🏻👊🏼👊🏽👊🏾👊🏿 Power to the people!!

[wastedandbasted]

*Black and Brown folks murdered by cops, healthcare system, etc*

Corporate media: *silence* or calling us animals, derogatory terms

*One, little old CEO gets smoked*

Corporate media: he was A hUmAn BeInG!!! wht AbOut DuE PrOcEsS????

[blackstarlineage]

Marcus Garvey’s Life and Legacy: A Garveyite Perspective on Black Self-Reliance, Economic Independence, and Global Pan-Africanism

Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887–1940) was one of the most influential Black leaders in history, pioneering a vision of Black nationalism, economic self-reliance, and Pan-African unity that continues to inspire generations. As the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), Garvey built the largest mass movement in Black history, promoting the Back-to-Africa movement, Black economic empowerment, and the establishment of a global African nation free from European domination.

From a Garveyite perspective, Garvey was not just a civil rights leader—he was a revolutionary visionary who understood that Black people must control their own economies, land, and political systems to be truly free. This analysis will explore:

Garvey’s early life and the experiences that shaped his Pan-African vision.

The rise of the UNIA and the impact of the Back-to-Africa movement.

His speeches and writings that defined the Black liberation struggle.

The global influence of Garveyism and how his ideas remain relevant today.

1. Garvey’s Early Life: The Birth of a Revolutionary

Marcus Garvey was born on August 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, a British colony at the time. His early experiences with racism, colonial oppression, and the exploitation of Black labour shaped his belief in Pan-Africanism and self-reliance.

A. Growing Up Under British Colonial Rule

Garvey witnessed how Black Jamaicans were economically excluded while British settlers controlled land, business, and government.

His father owned a small library, which allowed young Garvey to study African and world history, inspiring his intellectual growth.

Example: Garvey saw that Black people in Jamaica were taught European history and told to admire the British Empire, while their own African history was erased—a theme he would later challenge.

B. Travels and First Encounters with Global Racism

In his early 20s, Garvey travelled to Central and South America, where he saw Black workers living in extreme poverty while white elites controlled the economy.

He worked in Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, where Black workers built infrastructure for U.S. and European corporations but remained poor and landless.

Example: Garvey realized that Black oppression was not just a Jamaican or Caribbean issue—it was a global problem caused by European imperialism and white supremacy.

Key Takeaway: Garvey’s early experiences made him see that Black liberation required a global solution, not just local activism.

2. The Rise of the UNIA and the Back-to-Africa Movement

A. The Founding of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) (1914)

After returning to Jamaica, Garvey founded the UNIA in 1914 with the goal of uplifting Black people through education, economic self-sufficiency, and African unity.

The UNIA’s motto was “One God! One Aim! One Destiny!”

The organization quickly expanded beyond Jamaica, gaining followers across the Caribbean, the United States, Latin America, and Africa.

In 1916, Garvey moved to Harlem, New York, where the UNIA became a mass movement with millions of members worldwide.

Example: The UNIA built Black-owned businesses, schools, and economic programs, proving that Black people could be self-reliant without white assistance.

B. The Back-to-Africa Movement and the Black Star Line

Garvey’s Back-to-Africa movement was based on the idea that Black people would never be free under European rule and needed to return to Africa to build a strong, independent nation.

In 1919, Garvey launched the Black Star Line, a shipping company meant to facilitate trade between Black nations and eventually transport African descendants back to Africa.

The Black Star Line was funded by Black investors, showing that Black people could finance their own liberation.

Example: The Black Star Line inspired future Black business ventures and Pan-African economic cooperation, even though it was later sabotaged by the U.S. government interference.

Key Takeaway: Garvey’s movement was not just about cultural pride—it was about building a real Black economy, independent of white control.

3. Garvey’s Speeches and Writings: Defining the Black Liberation Struggle

Garvey was a powerful orator and writer, and his speeches and books shaped the ideology of Black nationalism, economic self-sufficiency, and Pan-Africanism.

A. The “Africa for the Africans” Speech

In multiple speeches, Garvey declared that Africa belonged to Black people, not European colonizers, calling for an independent African empire.

He rejected integration with white society, arguing that Black people should build their own institutions instead of seeking white approval.

Quote: “The Negro must build his own government, industry, and civilization or forever remain the hewer of wood and drawer of water.”

B. The “Look to Africa” Prophecy

Garvey predicted that one day, a Black king would rise in Africa to unite Black people globally.

His followers later connected this prophecy to Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia (1930), leading to the birth of the Rastafari movement.

Quote: “Look to Africa, when a Black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is at hand.”

Key Takeaway: Garvey’s speeches inspired both political movements and cultural revolutions, proving that Pan-Africanism was both a political and spiritual force.

4. The Global Impact of Garveyism and Its Legacy

Garvey’s ideas influenced liberation movements across Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S., shaping Black resistance for generations.

A. Influence on African Independence Leaders

Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) openly credited Garvey as a major influence on his vision for African liberation.

Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya) and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) embraced Garvey’s call for African self-rule and unity.

Example: Ghana, the first African nation to gain independence (1957), used Garvey’s Pan-African teachings as a foundation for its policies.

B. Impact on the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements

Malcolm X, the Nation of Islam, and the Black Panther Party all drew inspiration from Garvey’s focus on self-reliance.

The Rastafari movement emerged from Garvey’s teachings, blending Pan-Africanism with African spiritual revival.

Example: Malcolm X’s call for Black nationalism and economic independence was a direct continuation of Garvey’s ideas.

Key Takeaway: Even after his death, Garvey’s philosophy remained central to Black liberation movements worldwide.

5. The Garveyite Solution: Completing the Work of Marcus Garvey

Although Garvey’s movement was sabotaged by the U.S. government, his vision for Black self-reliance and Pan-African unity remains the blueprint for true Black liberation.

To fulfill Garvey’s dream of global Black power, we must:

Reclaim Africa’s economy – End European and U.S. control over African industries and resources.

Strengthen Black-owned businesses worldwide – Build an economic system that benefits Africans, not multinational corporations.

Create a strong African-led military – Defend Black sovereignty from foreign intervention.

Unify African and diaspora communities – Establish a single, powerful Pan-African government.

Develop an independent Black media – Control our own narratives and reject white-washed histories.

Final Takeaway: Garvey taught us that true freedom requires economic and political self-determination. The struggle is not over—we must finish what he started.

Conclusion: Garvey’s Legacy Lives On

Marcus Garvey’s vision of Black economic and political power is more relevant today than ever. As Africa and the diaspora continue to face neo-colonial exploitation, political instability, and economic dependence, Garveyism remains the key to true Black sovereignty.

As Garvey said: “Africa for the Africans, at home and abroad!”

The fight for self-reliance, unity, and freedom is not over—it is just beginning.

[floridianfireflyfaith]

"What she sees really stuns her. Anything that can walk or fly is literally surrounding her, protecting her from the Recos. It is in that moment that Roz realizes she's found her family."

- Chris Sanders

[pavlov-sdog]

Something that kills me is how Bell in almost every case seems to hesitate when faced with killing Adler despite the fact they should want to. Yes they can and will kill him, but in most endings it’s not something they seem to jump at the chance to do. Of course theres the lighter in the duga ending and how Bell will indulge him. Bell can also simply not call an ambush even if they unlock the back room which could be interpreted as not wanting to kill Adler/hesitation. 

What i barely see anyone mention really is how debatably they do hesitate on solovetsky too. In my opinion, they had to at the very least have been suspicious that Adler would try something. especially towards the end of his speech. Yet they don’t raise their gun until Adler raises his. Secondly, also in my opinion Bell had a shot lined up just barely before Adler did, yet it seems like they didn’t even shoot. 

This contrasted with how Adler is so ready to kill Bell no matter what really just reinforces their relationship. Adler is not attached to Bell. it certainly seems more personal than he wants to admit, but he’s not attached even if he does ‘respect’ Bell enough to give them a decent death in Solovetsky. However Adler knows Bell is attached to him whether they like it or not and uses that to his advantage which is why he does half the things he does. 

[freyanistics]

Happy black history month! Make sure to charge any non blacks for their ignorance this month

[k3n-dyll]

I know I said I'd be inactive but I gotta rant like I'm at a point of pure rage and I'm not all the way sober rn. As a black woman? I feel betrayed. Like I have no clue why, but for some reason I had faith in y'all to come through and recognize that while Kamala isn't perfect by any means that a Trump presidency would likely mean wraps for all of us, but no. Every. Single. Group managed to fuck up aside from black men and women in this election.

What happens when the internet becomes so overruled with censorship that we can no longer share information about the causes we care about? The police are already over militarized and the oompa loompa that's been put up in office is fully ready to grant them immunity, meaning they would essentially be able to do whatever the fuck they want to us without consequence.

I mean let's be fucking real that immunity is going to affect my community at a disproportionate rate just in case you guys already forgot what those pigs like to do to us. And my community is also that main group of people that is out on the street riding for everybody when there's an issue so what's gonna happen now? Hm?

Black women have been saying for a good while that we should vote for the candidate who will let us keep doing the work we're trying to do. The one that we would be safe protesting and organizing under so that we can make change both in and outside of our community, for example, actually putting third-party candidates in STATE GOVERNMENTS so that when actual viable third parties run, they'll have some chance in the presidential election. Y'know because the Electoral votes and support from state governments are really what matters.

And I say ACTUAL viable third-party candidates because, let's be real once again, half the people who voted for Jill Stein didn't do research on her like they should have. That white lady has been a grifter this isn't news.

It's like...watching people just cling to the idea that some big revolution is going to start within the next year because of this is exhausting, especially when the vast majority of American citizens had not a fucking clue about Palestine, Sudan, or Congo until 2023. Unfortunately for us, this shit takes time and actual irl community building. These election results have only made what would have been difficult nearly impossible because people either want to stand on some moral high ground or for 'tax cuts' that they aren't eligible for because half of you bitches are poor just like the rest of us.

I'm fucking exhausted. My ancestors survived slavery, Jim Crow, red lining - we're still surviving and fighting for justice for victims of police brutality and I am so. Fucking. Tired of surviving shit because y'all can't think critically for two fucking seconds. It's like doing a group project but everyone else has a few pebbles in their skulls knocking around in there instead of brains.

[littlefankingdom]

Everytime y'all take a character that canonically listen to metal, punk, and alt rock, and hc them as also listening to Taylor Swift, being a Swifty, and making other listen to Taylor Swift, an angel loses its wings or something.

As someone who enjoys metal, punk and alt rock, stop. Just stop. Sure, I like a couple of Taylor's songs, but her lyrics and voice hold nothing next to Beast In Black (the singer is gifted by the goddesses) or Rhapsody.

[theodditylacey]

If Luigi Mangione wasn't a white, conventionally attractive, upper class young man, nobody would be idolising him as they do.

[newsbrand]

Happy MLK Day in celebration of the late great Martin Luther King Jr.

“How can you ask a bootless man to pull up his bootstraps”

[blackstarlineage]

The Rise of African Nationalism and Independence Movements: A Garveyite Perspective

The rise of African nationalism and the struggle for independence in the 20th century was one of the most important events in modern history. From a Garveyite perspective, this was not just about political sovereignty—it was a step toward the greater vision of Pan-African unity, economic self-determination, and total liberation from European control.

Marcus Garvey’s ideology was rooted in the belief that Africa belonged to Africans and that Black people must reject European rule, reclaim their resources, and build a powerful, self-sufficient African continent. Many of Africa’s independence leaders were directly inspired by Garvey’s vision, but not all of them stayed true to his ideals. Some movements achieved political independence but remained economically dependent on Europe, reinforcing neo-colonialism rather than true liberation.

This analysis explores the history, impact, and shortcomings of African independence movements from a Garveyite perspective, highlighting the successes, failures, and the path forward toward true African sovereignty.

1. The Foundations of African Nationalism: Colonial Oppression and the Call for Liberation

The colonial occupation of Africa by European powers was built on land theft, forced labour, economic exploitation, and cultural erasure. The conditions under colonialism made resistance inevitable.

A. The Berlin Conference (1884-1885): The Carving Up of Africa

European nations divided Africa among themselves without African consent, treating the continent as their personal property.

They imposed artificial borders, separating ethnic groups and weakening African unity.

Colonial administrations ruled with brutal force, economic exploitation, and racial oppression, ensuring Africans remained subjects, not citizens.

Example: The British, French, Portuguese, and Belgian empires extracted gold, diamonds, oil, and human labour while keeping Africans in poverty.

B. Early Resistance Movements Against Colonial Rule

Before formal independence movements, Africans fought against European domination through armed uprisings, spiritual resistance, and Pan-African organizing.

Samori Touré (West Africa) and the Ashanti Resistance (Ghana) fought against British and French invaders.

The Maji Maji Rebellion (Tanzania, 1905-1907) was one of the first large-scale revolts against German rule.

The Mau Mau Uprising (Kenya, 1952-1960) directly challenged British colonialism through guerrilla warfare.

Example: The Mau Mau fighters were branded as “terrorists” by Britain, proving that European powers would rather kill than grant Africans their freedom.

Key Takeaway: African nationalism was born out of brutal colonial oppression, making resistance inevitable.

2. The Role of Marcus Garvey in Inspiring African Liberation

Although Garvey never visited Africa, his ideas were deeply influential in shaping African nationalism and the fight for independence.

A. Garvey’s Message of Pan-Africanism and African Self-Reliance

Garvey taught that Africa must be ruled by Africans, free from European interference.

He rejected the idea that Africans should seek validation from Europeans, insisting that Black people must build their own economies, schools, and governments.

His organization, the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), had over 6 million members worldwide, including Africans fighting for independence.

Example: Garvey’s famous slogan, “Africa for Africans, at home and abroad”, became the foundation of African nationalism.

B. Garvey’s Influence on African Independence Leaders

Many of Africa’s greatest leaders were influenced by Garvey’s teachings:

Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) – Called Garvey his spiritual father and promoted Pan-African unity.

Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya) – Used Garveyite ideas to inspire the Mau Mau resistance.

Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) – Advocated for African socialism and self-sufficiency.

Haile Selassie (Ethiopia) – Defended Ethiopian sovereignty against European invaders, reflecting Garvey’s ideals.

Example: When Ghana became independent in 1957, Nkrumah declared that Africa must unite—a direct reflection of Garvey’s dream of a United States of Africa.

Key Takeaway: Garvey’s message of self-determination and unity was a major ideological force behind Africa’s independence movements.

3. The Achievements and Shortcomings of African Independence Movements

While many African nations gained political independence between the 1950s and 1980s, the struggle for true sovereignty was far from over.

A. The Triumphs of African Independence

More than 50 African nations freed themselves from European rule in the 20th century.

Leaders like Patrice Lumumba (Congo), Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso), and Amílcar Cabral (Guinea-Bissau) fought for total African liberation.

Colonial borders were challenged, and Pan-African organizations like the African Union (AU) were created.

Example: Ghana (1957) was the first Sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, setting off a wave of liberation across the continent.

B. The Rise of Neo-Colonialism: Political Freedom but Economic Slavery

Despite independence, many African nations remained trapped in economic dependence on Europe.

European powers installed puppet leaders who served Western interests, preventing real change.

The French CFA Franc still controls the economies of 14 African nations, proving that economic colonization never ended.

The IMF and World Bank forced African nations into debt, keeping them reliant on European and American aid.

Example: Patrice Lumumba was assassinated in 1961 by the CIA and Belgian forces because he wanted Congo’s resources to benefit Africans, not Europeans.

C. African Leaders Who Betrayed the Revolution

Some leaders, like Mobutu Sese Seko (Congo) and Houphouët-Boigny (Ivory Coast), abandoned Pan-Africanism in favour of serving European and American interests.

Corrupt governments allowed multinational corporations to continue exploiting African resources.

The failure to unite African economies made it easier for Europe and the U.S. to maintain control over African wealth.

Example: Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown in 1966 with the U.S. and British support because he was trying to free Africa from Western control.

Key Takeaway: Political independence was a step forward, but without economic independence, Africa remained in chains.

4. The Garveyite Solution: The Future of African Liberation

From a Garveyite perspective, Africa will never be free until it controls its own resources, unites as one continent, and removes all European interference.

A. Africa Must Control Its Own Wealth

African nations must take back their natural resources from European and American corporations.

The CFA Franc must be abolished, and African nations must create their own economic systems.

Example: Thomas Sankara rejected Western aid and built self-sufficiency in Burkina Faso before he was assassinated in 1987.

B. Pan-Africanism is the Only Solution

A divided Africa is a weak Africa—unity is the only way to resist Western domination.

African nations must trade with each other, not rely on Europe or China.

The African Union must move beyond symbolism and become a real political and economic power.

Example: Garvey called for a United States of Africa, where all African nations function as one powerful bloc.

Final Takeaway: Africa’s future depends on economic self-reliance, Pan-African unity, and a complete break from European control.

Conclusion: The Struggle Continues

The rise of African nationalism was a necessary step toward liberation, but Garvey’s vision is still unfulfilled. Africa remains politically “independent” but economically controlled by Western powers. The next phase of the struggle must focus on:

Taking back Africa’s resources from foreign control.

Rejecting Western-imposed economic systems.

Uniting African nations into a single powerful force.

Eliminating neo-colonial puppet leaders.

As Garvey said: “Africa for Africans, at home and abroad." The fight for true African independence is not over—it is just beginning.

[the-first-man-is-a-cat]

Photographs from the collection of Theresa Babb in Camden, New Jersey c. 1898-1900

[cleradinthealps]

it’s so telling that the ultra-wealthy are suddenly so worried about violence when it’s against a ceo but couldn’t be bothered by the hundreds of school shootings that have happened over the years

[gregor-samsung]

Tell Me Lies [also known as Us] (Peter Brook, 1968)