Congresswoman Yvette Clarke Introduces Marcus Garvey Legacy Package in U.S. House

Democratic Congresswoman Yvette Clarke has introduced the Marcus Garvey Legacy Package in the U.S. House of Representatives, a two-part legislative initiative honoring Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first national hero and a seminal figure in the global fight for Black self-determination, civil rights, and economic empowerment.

The package includes H.Res. 654, the Marcus Garvey Exoneration Resolution, which calls on the President to fully exonerate Garvey of politically motivated charges, and H.Res. 655, the Marcus Garvey Recognition Day Resolution, which designates August 17, 2025, as Marcus Garvey Recognition Day, encouraging national observance through ceremonies, educational programs, and cultural events.

“Garvey’s legacy as a Pan-Africanist leader, civil rights pioneer, and founder of the Black Star Line continues to inspire generations,” Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, said. “Yet the shadow of a false, racially motivated conviction has persisted for far too long. Congressional action is needed to fully clear his name.”

Clarke highlighted that while President Joe Biden’s posthumous pardon of Garvey in January 2025 marked progress, full exoneration remains a critical step toward justice. “We must restore and protect his rightful place in history and honor his enduring impact on African-American and Caribbean communities,” she said.

Garvey, who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923, had his sentence commuted by President Calvin Coolidge. Over the decades, U.S. lawmakers—including John Conyers and Charles Rangel – have introduced resolutions to clear his name, but full exoneration has not yet been achieved.

Nzinga Garvey, the activist’s granddaughter, praised the legislative push. “This posthumous pardon is not only about Marcus Garvey’s name; it is about reclaiming the soul of a nation that values fairness and dignity,” she said. “His wrongful conviction underscores the need for a justice system that protects those who inspire and empower.”

Clarke emphasized that the Marcus Garvey Legacy Package represents a “significant step forward” in the ongoing fight for truth, equity, and justice. “I look forward to seeing both bills become law so all Americans can celebrate Marcus Garvey as the hero he truly is,” she added.