Representing Blackness

Dr Donna E. McFarlane Curator and Director of the Marcus Mosiah Garvey Multimedia Museum (2003–2017) carefully reconstructs the history of Jamaica’s museums, and the world of new museum studies centered on Jamaica’s First National Hero life’s work and philosophy. The timelessness of Garvey and The Universal Negro Improvement (UNIA) is examined through exhibitions, library holdings, local community activities and 21st century museum technology housed in the historical and renovated Liberty Hall.

Through the energetic and gifted abilities of Dr McFarlane, Representing Blackness provides the ideological framework as to why there is value of these kinds of programs in museum settings. Further, McFarlane is adamant that Garvey must be included in curriculum resources for all Jamaican schools. Garvey’s philosophy and opinions inspire, excite, and positively affect the self-identity of Jamaican people, while creating social and economic wealth. Representing Blackness rich in analysis and imagery shows Liberty Hall as the cultural and educational institution that is a living monument to Marcus Mosiah Garvey.