“If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.” Marcus Garvey
In 2004, when I first joined the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL), division #121 had an active and dedicated membership of (42) brothers and sisters. I will never forget the first time I walked into a crowded room of Africans engaged in discussions led by UNIA-ACL President-General-The Honorable Redman Battle. As I humbly squeezed into the space with a standing-room-only capacity, an older brother with a baseball cap on and a strong physique stood in the doorway and asked a question that will forever resonate within my soul. The man said, “You may be in the UNIA-ACL, but is the UNIA-ACL in you?”
The man’s name was Brother Johnnie Gossett! As years passed, while sitting at his feet, I would learn a great deal about the life and times of Marcus Garvey and the powerful history of the UNIA-ACL. During my early membership, I would come to witness his African statesmanship and how he protected the legacy of Marcus Garvey.
When Brother Gossett asked that question, the crowded room became silent, and all who gathered on that warm, sunny Sunday afternoon felt the collective energy of self-reflection. The question spoke volumes and is–absolutely relevant within the ranks of the UNIA-ACL today.
Those who knew Brother Gossett knew he was a modest man of high intelligence and deep wisdom. After Brother Gossett’s question to the gathered membership, he went on to say, “When the UNIA-ACL gets into you, you are a changed African.”
Former UNIA-ACL assistant secretary sister Tyree Amala tells the Black Nation that “to have the UNIA-ACL in you means having a contrasting LOVE for your people that is difficult sometimes to put into words. It is there, right in the middle of your heart–in your mind, and oozes from all your pores.” The UNIA-ACL is not an organization. The Honorable Marcus Garvey set up an interim Black government to ultimately protect and serve all Black people throughout the globe. A government founded by Black people, desiring to the utmost to work for the general uplift of Black people. True Garveyites believe that to be of service for our people is equal to breathing!
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