Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has introduced the Marcus Garvey Legacy Package, a legislative initiative honoring one of the most influential leaders in the global struggle for Black self-determination, human rights, and economic empowerment: Marcus Mosiah Garvey.
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The package includes two resolutions — H.Res. 655, the Marcus Garvey Recognition Day Resolution, and H.Res. 654, the Marcus Garvey Exoneration Resolution.
“Like every daughter of Jamaican immigrants, the singular and inspiring story of The Most Honorable Marcus Garvey has been with me since my earliest memories. As a Pan-Africanist leader who led one of the earliest Black Civil Rights movements in the Americas, founded one of America’s earliest Black-owned shipping companies in the Black Star Line, and established a legacy that has persisted to this day, Garvey’s advocacy for civil rights and the economic advancement of the Black community is known to all who celebrate his name. However, the stain of a false, racially motivated conviction has influenced the opinions of detractors and critics for far too long. While President Biden’s pardon of Garvey represented tremendous progress towards righting this wrong, we cannot rest until this injustice is expunged in its entirety. Mr. Garvey’s family, myself, and countless others across our nation and around the world will continue to push towards his full and unambiguous exoneration,” said Congresswoman Clarke.
“We know that Mr. Garvey was falsely convicted of a crime he did not commit. We know the path forward must include Congressional action to completely exonerate the Hon. Marcus Garvey. And so, I will continue to take all necessary action to clear his name, restore and protect his rightful place in history, celebrate his lasting impact on African-American and Caribbean communities, secure long overdue recognition from Congress, and deliver the closure his descendants rightfully deserve. Our battle for truth and justice has taken a remarkable step forward with the introduction of the Marcus Garvey Legacy Package. I look forward to seeing both these bills become law, so all Americans might celebrate Marcus Garvey as the hero that he is.”
In January, Garvey received a posthumous pardon from former U.S. President Joe Biden, announced on the final day of Biden’s presidency. The pardon corrects the injustice of Garvey’s 1923 conviction for mail fraud, widely regarded as politically motivated and marred by prosecutorial misconduct.
About the legislation:
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H.Res. 654 – Marcus Garvey Exoneration Resolution: Declares that Marcus Garvey was innocent of the politically motivated charges brought against him and calls on the President to take all appropriate measures to fully exonerate him and clear his name.
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H.Res. 655 – Marcus Garvey Recognition Day Resolution: Designates August 17, 2025, as “Marcus Garvey Recognition Day” and calls on the President to issue a proclamation encouraging national observance through ceremonies, educational programs, and cultural events.
