Amy Jacques Garvey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Amy Jacques Garvey
Garvey with her husband, Marcus, in 1922
Born	Amy Euphemia Jacques (1895-12-31)31 December 1895 Kingston, Jamaica
Died	25 July 1973(1973-07-25) (aged 77) Kingston, Jamaica
Other names	AJ Garvey
Occupation	Publisher, journalist
Known for	Activism, black nationalism, Pan-Africanism
Spouse(s)	Marcus Garvey (1922–1940)
Children	2
Parent(s)	George Samuel Yvette Samuel

Amy Jacques Garvey (born December 31, 1895 – died July 25, 1973) was an important journalist and activist from Jamaica. She was the second wife of Marcus Garvey, a famous leader. Amy Jacques Garvey was one of the first Black women to become a journalist and publisher in the 1900s. She played a key role in movements for Black rights and independence.

Growing Up in Jamaica

Amy Euphemia Jacques was born on December 31, 1895, in Kingston, Jamaica. She grew up in a middle-class family. Her parents were George Samuel and Charlotte Henrietta Jacques.

From a young age, Amy learned to play the piano. She also studied music. Her family believed music was an important part of a girl's education. Amy was one of the few young people in Jamaica who got to go to high school. She attended Wolmer's Schools.

Her father encouraged her to read newspapers and magazines. He wanted her to learn more about the world. After finishing school, Amy got a job at a law firm. Her father was not sure about her working in an office with men. But after he passed away, the lawyer handling his estate suggested Amy work there. This way, she could help manage the family's affairs. Amy worked at the law firm for four years. She learned a lot about the legal system during this time.

Moving to the United States

In 1917, Amy Jacques moved to the United States. She had promised to return to Jamaica if things did not work out. However, she stayed in the U.S. She became very interested in the ideas of Garveyism. This was a movement led by Marcus Garvey.

Amy attended a meeting where Marcus Garvey spoke. She was very impressed by his words. Soon after, she became his private secretary. She worked closely with him and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). She also helped publish the Negro World newspaper. This newspaper started in August 1918 in Harlem.

Marriage and Family

On July 27, 1922, Amy Jacques married Marcus Garvey in Baltimore. This was after his first marriage ended. Amy Jacques had even been a bridesmaid at Marcus Garvey's first wedding.

Amy and Marcus Garvey had two children together. Their sons were Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr., born in 1930, and Julius Winston Garvey, born in 1933.

Leading the UNIA

Amy Jacques Garvey was a very good speaker. She often traveled around the country with her husband. She also gave speeches on her own.

When Marcus Garvey faced legal issues, Amy had to step up. He was convicted of mail fraud in June 1922. This was less than a year after they got married. Amy then took on a leading role in the UNIA.

She traveled across the country to raise money. This money was for Marcus Garvey's legal defense. She also edited and published his writings. These included Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, Volume 2. She also published two books of his poetry. Amy worked hard with lawyers to help her husband. She also kept the UNIA active by giving speeches. She met with other leaders of the group.

Even with all her efforts, Marcus Garvey did not officially let her lead the organization. However, her work was very important. She helped keep his movement alive during a difficult time.

Life After the UNIA

After Marcus Garvey was sent back to Jamaica in 1927, Amy went with him. They had their two sons there. When Marcus Garvey moved to England in 1934, Amy stayed in Jamaica with their children.

After Marcus Garvey passed away in 1940, Amy continued her work. She fought for Black nationalism and African independence. In 1944, she wrote an important document. It was called "A Memorandum Correlative of Africa, West Indies and the Americas." She used this to try and convince the United Nations to create an African Freedom Charter.

In 1963, Amy Jacques Garvey visited Nigeria. She was a special guest of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. He was Nigeria's first President. That same year, she published her own book, Garvey and Garveyism. In 1968, she wrote a booklet called Black Power in America: The Power of the Human Spirit. She also helped edit another book, Marcus Garvey and the Vision of Africa, which came out in 1974. Her last work was Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey Volume III. She wrote this with E. U. Essien-Udom.

In 1971, she received the Musgrave Medal. This award recognizes important contributions to arts, science, and literature in Jamaica.

Writings

Amy Jacques Garvey was a dedicated writer. She wrote a lot to support the UNIA movement and her husband.

Death

Amy Jacques Garvey passed away at age 77 on July 25, 1973. She died in her hometown of Kingston, Jamaica. She was buried in the churchyard of Saint Andrew's Parish Church.

See also

In Spanish: Amy Jacques Garvey para niños