Marcus Garvey: A Hero to the So-Called Negro Despite Dubois’ Critique

In the annals of history, Marcus Garvey is celebrated by many as a revolutionary figure who stood tall for the upliftment of the so-called Negro. But not everyone saw him as a hero during his time. W.E.B. Du Bois, one of the leading intellectuals of the 20th century, famously referred to Garvey as “the most dangerous enemy of the Negro race.” Harsh words, especially coming from someone who shared the stage of Black activism. Today, we’re peeling back the layers of that statement and re-examining Garvey’s legacy as a liberator, alongside his contemporary, Noble Drew Ali, another misunderstood prophet of Black empowerment.

Garvey’s Mission to Uplift Fallen Humanity

Garvey’s life’s work was about restoring pride and dignity to the so-called Negro. Through the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), he preached self-reliance, economic independence, and a spiritual awakening among people of African descent. His slogan, "Africa for the Africans,"
resonated deeply, inspiring millions to envision a future where they were free from colonial and systemic oppression. Garvey saw the so-called Negro as more than just a victim of racism; he saw them as a mighty people with a rich heritage, deserving of respect and autonomy.

This mission, however, didn’t sit well with everyone. Du Bois and others in the Black intellectual elite dismissed Garvey’s Back-to-Africa movement, labeling it unrealistic and divisive. Their critique often stemmed from ideological differences—where Du Bois sought integration and assimilation within Western society, Garvey demanded a complete reclamation of African identity.

Noble Drew Ali: The Forgotten Visionary

Similarly, Noble Drew Ali, founder of the Moorish Science Temple of America, faced immense resistance from the Black community of his time. Drew Ali taught that the so-called Negro were not merely descendants of slaves but rather Moors, with a noble heritage that predated their oppression. His teachings aimed to restore the spiritual and national identity of African Americans, connecting them to a lineage that extended far beyond the transatlantic slave trade.

Like Garvey, Drew Ali’s radical redefinition of Black identity was met with skepticism, even hostility, by those who were either entrenched in traditional Christianity or unwilling to embrace the idea of a broader, non-Western cultural identity. Both men challenged the narrative of inferiority imposed on Black people by colonial powers, yet they were ostracized by the very community they sought to uplift.

Why Were Garvey and Drew Ali Rejected?

The rejection of these leaders by segments of the Black community speaks volumes about the psychological and social constraints imposed by systemic oppression. Many African Americans, conditioned by centuries of slavery and colonialism, found it difficult to accept Garvey’s and Drew Ali’s visions of radical self-determination.

W.E.B. Du Bois’ critique of Garvey as an “enemy of the Negro” wasn’t just a personal attack; it reflected a broader tension within the struggle for Black liberation. The more “acceptable” approach of gradual progress within the existing system often clashed with Garvey’s and Drew Ali’s calls for immediate, unapologetic change. The colonial mindset—ingrained by generations of subjugation—made it hard for many to see the wisdom in their revolutionary perspectives.

Garvey and Drew Ali: Heroes to the So-Called Negro

Despite the resistance they faced, Garvey and Drew Ali remain towering figures in the fight for the liberation of the so-called Negro. They didn’t just challenge the external systems of oppression; they attacked the internalized narratives of inferiority that kept Black people shackled. Their work laid the foundation for future movements like the Nation of Islam and the Civil Rights Movement, which echoed many of their principles of self-reliance, economic empowerment, and spiritual awakening.

Marcus Garvey’s message of Black pride and sovereignty resonates even today, as movements like Afrocentrism and Pan-Africanism continue to draw from his teachings. Noble Drew Ali’s assertion of Moorish identity challenged the very labels used to define Black people in America, encouraging them to see themselves as more than victims of history.

Understanding Du Bois’ Critique

So why did Du Bois, a man who fought tirelessly for the advancement of African Americans, see Garvey as an enemy? Part of it boils down to strategy and ego. Du Bois represented a different class of Black leadership—one that sought to navigate within the existing systems of power. Garvey’s defiance of those systems, coupled with his immense popularity among the working-class Black population, threatened the influence of Du Bois and others who pursued a more moderate path.

But history vindicates Garvey and Drew Ali. While their methods and messages were polarizing in their time, their legacies are testaments to the power of radical visionaries. They remind us that true liberation often requires challenging not just external systems but also the internalized beliefs that keep a people oppressed.

The Ongoing Fight for the Upliftment of Fallen Humanity

The stories of Marcus Garvey and Noble Drew Ali are not just chapters in history; they are blueprints for today. Their lives and teachings remind us that the so-called Negro is more than the sum of their oppression. They are part of a global diaspora with a history of greatness, a people capable of reclaiming their identity and shaping their destiny.

The critique from figures like Du Bois might have slowed their momentum, but it didn’t stop their message. Garvey and Drew Ali’s dedication to uplifting fallen humanity continues to inspire those who dare to dream of a better future.

To the so-called Negro, they weren’t enemies; they were saviors.