Marcus Mosiah Garvey was the first National Hero of Jamaica, conferred with membership in the Order of the National Hero in 1969, but, despite being taught in schools, there is very little we remember about his legacy.

This weekend, the nation recalls and recognises the sacrifices and contributions of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes who paved the way for not only a better Jamaica, but, in some cases, a better world.

Born in 1887, Garvey was recognised as the first black man to awaken the dignity of the black race in Jamaica, North America and Africa.

To honour his legacy Our Today created a list of five things everyone should know about Garvey.

1. He fought for racial equality and black pride

Garvey is known around the world for his countless speeches about black pride and the advancement of black people.

By 1921 he was the leader of the largest black organisation in history, which at its highest had six to 11 million followers.

At that time there were 859 branches of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in more than 30 countries.

2. Garvey was a journalist

Garvey started his own newspaper The Watchman in 1909, but it failed after its third publication. He then left Jamaica in search of funding for his projects.

In 1912, he went to England where he worked at the offices of the African Times and Orient Review journal under the leadership of Duse Mohammed Ali, the famous Black nationalist and journalist

He also used the UNIA to create a new publication called the Negro World. It quickly grew from being a weekly into a worldwide phenomenon with a peak circulation of 200,000.

3. He was a financial advocate for black people

Determined to improve the lives of black people in all aspects, Garvey established the Negro Factories Corporation.

Through this corporation, he offered stocks for African Americans to buy, raising US$1 million for the project.

The factories also provided employment for black people working in the steam laundry, tailor shop, dress making shop and many other skilled areas.

4. Founded the the People’s Political Party (PPP)

The People’s Political Party was known as the first modern political party in Jamaica, founded in 1928.

It was also the first party in favour of black people, defending their rights and interests.

The party petitioned for representation in the British parliament, a Jamaican university, judicial reform, a government-run electrical system and a minimum wage.

5. He never went to Africa

Garvey was and still is recognised in Africa for his great works for black people, but he unfortunately nver managed to visit the continent.

He spent much of his time in England, the United States and Jamaica, bouncing mainly between the three countries.

 Garvey died on June 10 1940 in London at age 53 ,without having set foot in Africa.

READ: 5 famous Marcus Garvey quotes