- Contributed
Construction work in progress at Liberty Hall in downtown Kingston.
Georgia Hemmings, Staff Reporter
DO YOU have any photographs of relatives who were part of the Marcus Garvey museum? Any Black Star Line share certificate? What about a calendar or any of the Garvey newspapers? Or even a hand bill or programme from any of the concerts held at Liberty Hall?, or any other objects related to the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)?
These are some of the objects being sought by the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) and Friends of Liberty Hall as they seek to develop a Marcus Garvey museum at the one-time UNIA headquarters on Kings Street in downtown Kingston. Garvey, Jamaica's first National Hero, was founder of the world-wide acclaimed UNIA.
The museum is expected to form part of a multi-media centre being planned for Liberty Hall, which will also include a skills training centre for young inner-city residents, a reading room and library, a lecture hall, a bookshop, gift shop and an open-air facility for general use.
Restoration is currently in process at the Hall and is expected to be completed by March to mark the 70th anniversary of the stonelaying at Liberty Hall. It was established as the social, cultural and political meeting place and headquarters of the UNIA.
Wayne Modest, IOJ's director of museums, told The Sunday Gleaner that the Kingston Liberty Hall was the main chapter of the UNIA.
"Different chapters were established in different countries once the UNIA became a worldwide movement," he explained."And black people were encouraged to acquire buildings for themselves, and these were called "Liberty Halls"
PRESERVING THE LEGACY
But according to Mr. Modest, "Restoration of the physical building is one thing, the use to which the building is put is even more important, and the restoration project aims to preserve the legacy of Garvey both by telling his story and by engaging in some activities in keeping with his philosophy."
The fundamental principles of Garveyism were African redemption, Black Liberation, black unity, economic and political independence, black self-reliance and racial equality.
With this objective in mind, the Institute is inviting donations from members of the public towards the mini-museum.
"These may include photographs, books, pamphlets, certificates, writing instruments, furniture, clothing, utensils, art works, coins, medals, invitations, buttons and pins and other souvenirs or memorabilia, " Mr. Modest explained. "Anything produced for or relevant to the period."
Even copies of Garvey newspapers The Negro World, The Blackman, The New Jamaican, and The Black Magazine would also be welcomed.
These material and objects will be used to recreate the period of the 1920s and 1930s, "to bring the period alive for viewers, and honour this Jamaican hero, Pan-Africanist and visionary." Mr. Modest explained.
It is hoped that the museum will open later this year, and persons interested in donating objects may contact Mr. Modest at the Institute of Jamaica, 10-15 East Street, downtown Kingston or Tel: 922-0620-6 or Fax: 922-1147 or at e-mail: ioj.jammail.infochan.com
He also told The Sunday Gleaner that persons interested in volunteeering ideas, skills or time to the project, as well as any financial contributions, would be welcomed.
Meanwhile, an art sale to raise funds for the restoration project is currently on at the Contemporary Art Gallery in Liguanea.
The fund-raiser is being sponsored by the Friends of Liberty Hall.
Over 40 pieces, donated by a number of prominent Jamaican artists, are up for viewing (and purchase), and include paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and photographs,. Among the artists who provided works are David Boxer, Cecil Cooper, David Pottinger, Cecil Baugh and others.
Elaine Melbourne of the "Friends" group told The Sunday Gleaner that "Marcus Garvey himself was an avid art collector, and this art sale is a fitting tribute to honour him, as well as raise funds for the 'Friends of Liberty Hall'"
She is encouraging the public to come and view the works, and make purchases as part of their contribution to honour an outstanding Jamaican.
The exhibition/sale will run until the end of March, and viewing hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and, on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
