The Global Garvey Symposium Series, founded in Jamaica, has announced the Inaugural Philadelphia Marcus Garvey Symposium, set for Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at The Ebenezer SDA Church.
The event will commemorate the 106th anniversary of Marcus Garvey’s first mass meetings in Philadelphia, held on September 22, 1919, at The People’s Church, located at 15th and Christian Street in what is now the city’s historic Black Doctors Row.
Founder and organizer of the Global Garvey Symposium Series, Professor Steven Golding, extended an invitation to the Philadelphia community, the Caribbean diaspora, and all those who honor the legacy of Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero and a key Pan-African leader of the 20th century. Garvey’s movement in Philadelphia grew into one of the largest in the United States, second only to his headquarters in Harlem, New York.
The evening program will include a screening of MOSIAH, the first narrative film about Garvey, along with cultural presentations and reflections on his enduring global impact. Philadelphia’s own Kenneth Gamble — singer, songwriter, music producer, and iconic Garveyite — will be honored with the UNIA Black Star Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of community service.
Guests will also experience an evening of edutainment, cuisine, and culture in keeping with Garvey’s vision for people of African descent worldwide.
Launched in 2024, the Global Garvey Symposium Series has already been inaugurated in cities such as Atlanta, Baltimore, and New York, as well as across the Caribbean in Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Trinidad & Tobago. The Philadelphia symposium is being presented in partnership with the Consulate of Jamaica.
Organizers are also seeking the support of sponsors, partners, and community leaders. Sponsorship packages are available to organizations and businesses wishing to align with a legacy of empowerment, cultural pride, and community advancement.
“Philadelphia is a city of history, resilience, and revolution. It is only fitting that we mark the 106th anniversary of Marcus Garvey’s lectures here with a symposium that uplifts his vision of global unity. This event will not only honor Garvey’s legacy but also inspire new generations to continue to carry the message forward,” said Golding.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 p.m.
📍 Venue: The Ebenezer SDA Church, 1437 Christian Street, Philadelphia
