The Negro World

While Garvey was in the USA, he published two newspapers. The most important one was the "Negro World." It gave news about the UNIA from all over the world, speeches by Garvey, and news that was not reported by other papers. The "Negro World" was very popular. It soon became the largest black weekly paper in the USA. It was circulated – sent out – all over the world, and was very important in spreading Marcus Garvey’s ideas.

All the colonial governments opposed the "Negro World." They thought it would incite – stir up – people to rebel against them. So in several Caribbean and African countries the paper was banned – forbidden. In some countries where it was not banned, the government tried to reduce its circulation. But seamen smuggled the Negro World into these countries.

"The day shall come when the Negro shall rise to power and the white nations shall fall."

People who were opposed to Garvey were supposed to come to a bad end. ‘Bag o’ Wire’ was a man who walked the streets in Kingston. People said he was Garvey’s driver, then he turned against him. In the 1970s the Mighty Diamonds sang:

"Men like Bag o’ Wire Shall be cast in fire, The betrayer of Marcus Garvey."

Some myths about Garvey say that he had divine – god-like – powers. For example, Garvey was once imprisoned in Spanish Town. People say that a poisoned bath was set for him, but he saw through the plan, and refused the bath. When Garvey died, many people did not believe it. After all, divine persons do not die!