Amy Ashwood Garvey, born on January 10, 1897, in Port Antonio, Jamaica, is a name synonymous with pioneering activism, unwavering dedication to Pan-Africanism, and the fight for equality.
As a director of the Black Star Line Steamship Corporation and co-founder of the Negro World newspaper alongside her former husband, Marcus Garvey, Amy’s legacy is an inspiring testament to her profound impact on the global stage.
Amy Ashwood Garvey: Early Years and Founding of the UNIA
Amy Ashwood was born to Michael Delbert Ashwood, a businessman, and Maudriana Thompson. Her heritage was a rich tapestry of Ashanti and Indian descent, a fact that her grandmother proudly shared with her as a child.
This cultural background played a significant role in shaping her identity and passion for her African roots. After a brief stint in Panama as an infant, Amy returned to Jamaica in 1904, where she attended the Westwood High School for Girls in Trelawny. It was here that she met Marcus Garvey, and together, they founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914.
The UNIA became the most influential anti-colonial organization in Jamaica up to 1938, providing a platform for women to emerge as leaders and influencers in the public sphere.
At the tender age of 17, Amy Ashwood’s letters to Marcus Garvey echoed her deep commitment to their shared cause, stating, “Our joint love for Africa and our concern for the welfare of our race urged us to immediate action.” Her proactive approach led her to organize a women’s section within the UNIA, marking the beginning of her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and Pan-Africanism.
Marriage to Marcus Garvey and Early Activism
In 1918, Amy Ashwood Garvey moved to the United States, where she became Garvey’s aide and Secretary of the UNIA’s New York City branch. Her pivotal role in the organization extended to the Black Star Line, where she was appointed as one of its first directors in 1919.
Amy and Marcus Garvey married on December 25, 1919, but their union was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1922 amidst accusations of infidelity and legal battles.
Despite the personal turmoil, Amy Ashwood Garvey’s dedication to Pan-Africanism never wavered. She continued her work across the United States, Jamaica, and England, establishing herself as a formidable political and cultural feminist. Her influence extended beyond her marriage to Garvey, making significant strides in promoting racial equality and women’s rights.
Life in London and Further Activism
In 1932, Amy Ashwood Garvey arrived in London, where her Pan-African endeavors flourished. She co-founded the Nigerian Progress Union (NPU) with Ladipo Solanke, receiving the Yoruba chieftaincy title “Iyalode,” meaning “Mother of the Community.”
This recognition underscored her influential role in the African diaspora. Amy’s collaboration with Solanke also supported the West African Students’ Union, highlighting her commitment to education and empowerment.
Returning to New York in 1924, Amy Ashwood Garvey produced comedies with Sam Manning, a Trinidadian calypso singer, and opened the Florence Mills Social Club in London in 1934. This jazz club became a hub for Pan-African supporters, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
Political Engagement and Educational Initiatives
Amy Ashwood’s return to Jamaica saw her active participation in politics and the push for self-government. She played a key role in the short-lived J. A. G. Smith Political Party and advocated for women’s rights, planning to leverage her political candidacy to effect change.
During World War II, Amy Ashwood Garvey founded a domestic science institute for girls, demonstrating her dedication to education and empowerment.
In 1944, Amy Ashwood Garvey returned to New York, joining the West Indies National Council and the Council on African Affairs. Her activism included campaigning for prominent figures like Adam Clayton Powell Jr., further cementing her influence in the civil rights movement.
The 5th Pan-African Congress and Later Years
One of Amy Ashwood Garvey’s significant contributions was her involvement in organizing the 5th Pan-African Congress in Manchester in 1945.
As one of the two women presenters, she highlighted the issues faced by Jamaican women, advocating for independence from colonial rule. Her relentless pursuit of equality and justice led her to Liberia in 1946, where she forged a relationship with President William Tubman and continued her advocacy for women’s rights.
Returning to London in the 1950s, Amy helped establish the “Afro Peoples Centre” and collaborated with Claudia Jones on the editorial board of the West Indian Gazette. In response to the 1958 Notting Hill race riots, she co-founded the Association for the Advancement of Coloured People and chaired an inquiry into race relations following the murder of Kelso Cochrane in 1959.
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