C Roy ReynoldsTHE MONTH-LONG UNIA convention of the Negro Peoples of the World ended at Edelweis Park in Kingston on August 30, 1929 on an enthusiastic high note. A Gleaner report the next day came with an extended caption: "Mr. Garvey Delivers Valedictory Address. Further Exhorting the Members; Thanks Expressed; Press and Public, the Government and the Police are all given credit."
The report stated that the day's events opened at 10:00 a.m. and shortly after "the President delivered a valedictory speech, passing briefly and fluently over the undertakings and accomplishments of the convention and the resolutions for the future. He exhorted them to be strong and be undaunted by whatever obstacles may confront them. He would never tire in his efforts for the furtherance of the cause of the organisation and by God's help he would win out.
"He prayed that they would be inspired to go forward toward the great objective they had in view and for which they had legislated during the past 30 days."
According to The Gleaner reporter he concluded his address by calling for the singing of the hymn Blest be the ties that bind, during which they were exhorted to greet each other and pledge that they would be true to the principles of the UNIA. And, "led by the organ the gathering sang with fervour as they passed around and shook hands... It was an impressive scene!"
Then it was time for Garvey to thank those who had assisted in making the convention such as a success. Pride of place went to his private secretary, Miss Hazel Escridge, of whom The Gleaner said: "Mr. Garvey told in choice language of the invaluable and loyal services she rendered to the cause."
Among the others he singled out for recognition were: Mr. Levy, chief clerk at headquarters, E.E. White, Mr. McKenzie, 1st vice president of the St. Andrew Division, Mr. Stewart, chief clerk at the Secretary General's Department; Mr. T.A. Aikman, editor of the Blackman; Mr. Atherton, reporter, and Mr. O'Brien, accountant. A resolution recognising Garvey's triumph over adversities was moved by New York representative, Allen and seconded by a Miss Ethel Collins.
The Gleaner report recorded that Garvey presented each delegate and the members of the press with a copy of the work Men of Vision, written by the Rev. C. Wilson. All the characters in the book were reportedly Jamaicans, with one exception: Captain L.D. Baker of Boston "who was the only white man mentioned therein for the good he had done.
Then it was time to recognise the press: "Mr. Garvey said whatever had been the past attitude of the press, it could not be said that during the month of August it had not been friendly... He had to refer particularly to the friendly attitude of The Gleaner in giving impartial reports of the convention. They could not bring the convention to a close without thanking The Daily Gleaner in particular for the impartial manner in which they had reported their sessions.
"Dr. Peters of Louisiana then moved: "Be it resolved that it is the unanimous desire of this convention of the Negro Peoples of the World that heartfelt gratitude and thanks be conveyed to The Daily Gleaner and the tri-weekly Jamaica Mail for their respective impartial attitudes and policies in treating all news matters bearing upon the convention of the Negro Peoples of the World and the UNIA."
It was seconded by W.A. Wallace of Illinois and carried without dissent. Tribute was also paid to the Jamaican hospitality and to the police. A resolution to this effect was put on behalf of the overseas delegates introduced by "Mr. Thomas of Mobile" seconded by "Mr. Johnson of Missouri" and unanimously carried.
The session also saw a number of initiatives dealing with economic matters, including the launch of a drive to realise $6 million to be used in establishing a number of enterprises in several regions including Jamaica.
The closing sessions as well featured an appreciation to Mrs. Garvey for her fortitude during her husband's incarceration and to Mr. Garvey for what he had endured.
It was by all accounts a memorable convention expected to mark a bright new future for Mr. Garvey and his organisation. Few, if anyone could have expected that within months Garvey would again be behind bars looking out, albeit as "a first class misdemeanant"!
C. Roy Reynolds is a freelance journalist.
