Ideology, Politics, and Radicalism of the Afro-Caribbean PDF
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IDEOLOGY, POLITICS, AND RADICALISM OF THE AFRO-CARIBBEAN JEROME TEELUCKSINGH Ideology, Politics, and Radicalism of the Afro-Caribbean Jerome Teelucksingh Ideology, Politics, and Radicalism of the Afro-Caribbean Jerome Teelucksingh Department of History University of the West Indies St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago ISBN 978-1-349-94865-9 ISBN 978-1-349-94866-6 (eBook) DOI 10.1057/978-1-349-94866-6 Library of Congress Control Number: 2016936664 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2 016 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifi cally the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfi lms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specifi c statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the pub- lisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. Cover image © Reinhard Dirscherl/Alamy Stock Photo Printed on acid-free paper This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by Springer Nature The registered company is Nature America Inc. New York This book is dedicated to those academics, activists, and politicians who have sought to eliminate racism, political marginalization, unemployment, poverty, injustice, and exploitation. P REFACE Among the many Caribbean icons in the twentieth century, there is a select group of academics, politicians, and activists, who could be dubbed “The Magnifi cent Eight”, from Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Guyana, and Jamaica. They are Eric Williams, Arthur Lewis, Tubal Uriah Butler, Marcus Garvey, Kwame Ture, George Padmore, CLR James, and Walter Rodney. The study of history is not solely concerned with the past, facts, or the interpretation of events and actions. This fascinating subject should also include the possibilities if there was the absence of crucial factors or non-involvement of leaders and the support of the masses. Certain ques- tions, that remain unanswered, need to be addressed for determining the extent to which these Black leaders infl uenced the course of world history. For instance, if CLR James decided to remain in Trinidad and Tobago or if Marcus Garvey opted to live in Jamaica rather than migrate to the USA, would they have made monumental global contributions to the Pan-African movement? Suppose Dr. Eric Williams remained in academia, would another prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago have treated trade unions better? Was it fate that a Grenadian, Tubal Butler, who served in World War One, would infl uence the historic June 1937 riots in Trinidad? Was the involvement of these Afro-Caribbean leaders/activists in regional and international events predetermined or fortuitous? These eight Afro-Caribbean personalities were instrumental in shap- ing ideology, politics, radcialism, and working-class consciousness in the twentieth century. Indeed, it was primarily through their radical speeches, writings, activism, and involvement in organizations that a foundation was vii viii PREFACE laid which eventually resulted in the independence of African and West Indian countries. Gifted Black individuals and vibrant groups had con- siderable infl uence among the working class in the West Indies, England, the USA, and Africa. Undoubtedly, these Blacks have not been fully rec- ognized for their seminal contribution to Caribbean activism, politics, and philosophy in the twentieth century. The transition from onlooker to participant and then leader of a struggle entailed obvious risks. Afro-Caribbean personalities and groups challenged stereotypes and attempted to overturn socio-economic and political systems that seemed archaic, racist, and divisive. Labour organi- zations served as agents of self-affi rmation and self-identity, constituting a liberating force offering self-restoration and self-recovery to Africans. Garvey’s African consciousness movement provided a refreshing perspec- tive that gave legitimacy to the work of African reformers and radical working-class leaders. The outpourings from Blacks and their organiza- tions were not limited to an Afro-Caribbean working-class audience. Their Indo-Caribbean comrades and other ethnic minorities also became acutely aware of the need for solidarity to defeat the powerful status quo. Offi cials tried in vain to stifl e the circulation of subversive ideas, speeches of dema- gogues, and working-class newspapers. Black personalities coupled with trade unions and organizations, with a membership of predominantly Afro-Caribbean persons, provided the ideology and leadership to hasten the decolonization of the Caribbean. The book’s ten chapters reveal the contributions of organizations com- prising Blacks, activists, and intellectuals to the improvement of the work- ing classes in the Caribbean and rest of the world. It is a unique work that presents a more objective and detailed view of the lives of Blacks who were instrumental in creating a new identity whilst simultaneously undermining colonialism and imperialism. Each chapter will include a brief insight into the early life of the individual and the forces, ideologies, or movements that would have infl uenced the lives and actions of the Afro-Caribbean. There is a clear connection and progression among the chapters. For instance, the Black consciousness and Pan-Africanism espoused by Marcus Garvey infl uenced prominent Afro-Trinidadians such as CLR James and George Padmore. Likewise, the ideas and writings of James and Padmore also strongly infl uenced leaders as Dr. Eric Williams and the Black Power personality of the late 1960s and 1970s, Kwame Ture. Furthermore, Marcus Garvey’s ideology had a long-term impact and infl uenced Kwame Ture. The progression of the chapters encompasses three critical phases in PREFACE ix the twentieth century: (1) Black consciousness, anti-colonialism, and anti- imperialism; (2) self-government and independence; and (3) the post- Independence era of Black Power. I hope that this work will highlight the importance of the Caribbean as a crucible that was capable of producing talented and gifted think- ers, activists, radicals, and orators who inspired millions of working-class persons across the globe during the twentieth century. Additionally, this study will demonstrate the immense organizational and leadership abilities of individuals who overcame personal obstacles and were eventually victo- rious over governments who were intent on suppressing and banning their activities. It was an epic struggle between labour’s liberators and forces intent on preserving the despised status quo. Many of these leaders, activ- ists, and groups publicly condemned imperialism and colonialism. Today, the activities and achievements of these world-renowned Afro- Caribbean groups and persons are important and relevant to developing countries. Their works must embolden the fearful, inspire the conserva- tive, revive the frustrated, and ensure that their unfulfi lled dreams become our goals. Jerome Teelucksingh The University of the West Indies Trinidad and Tobago West Indies
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