A Salute to Woman

THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MARCH 24 - MA RCH 30, 2021 | www.jama ica-gleaner.com | I Chapleton, Clarendon, Jamaica, 18.5 acres scenic view, adjoining local High School, Clarendon College, General Hospital. Gently sloping land with some fruit trees and small river. Accessible by paved roads then short parochial road; Water, Light available, Possible housing development an option. Plan available on request from the surveyor. CALL: TRACEY HEAVEN; 876.931.4471,876.869.5542 (CELL) LAND FOR SALE - CLAREDON 4 THE WEEKLY GL AN R | MARCH 24 - APRIL 24, 021 | www.jamaica-gleaner.co | WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE A MY BAILEY, a Jamaican educator, social worker and women’s rights advocate, dedicated her life and work to the development of Jamaica’s social structure. Born November 27, 1895, some would say Bailey was destined to become an educator, as not only were both her parent’s teachers, but her father was also the founder of the Jamaica Union of Teachers. He encouraged all of his children to become teachers, as there were few other opportunities open to black Jamaicans during that time. Amy was also co-founder and first chairman of theWomen’s Liberal Club which fought to give women the same rights as men. Amy, along with Dr Hyacinth Lightbourne and others, in 1938 organised the first birth control league. Among multiple achievements as a teacher and political activist, Bailey was one of the first black women in Jamaica to become a Justice of the Peace. She received many honours and awards in her career, including the Order of the British Empire in 1960 for voluntary social service, the Jamaican Order of Distinction in 1971 and the Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in 1988. On International Women’s Day - March 8, 1990, she was honoured with the Order of Jamaica for her contribution to women’s rights. She would die later that year, on October 3. Amy Ashwood Garvey , was co- founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and the first wife of Jamaican national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Her work resulted in significant contributions to the Pan Africanist movement, feminism and community development in Britain, the Caribbean andWest Africa. Born in Port Antonio, Jamaica in 1897, she spent her early years and got her early schooling in Panama but was sent back to Jamaica where she attendedWestwood High School. She used to organise debates at East Queen Street Baptist Church, and it was at one of these debates that she met Marcus Garvey. They were both passionate about African-American activism and were involved in political activities that influenced their thoughts, ideas and strategies for liberating Jamaica. In 1914, the two founded the UNIA in Kingston, Jamaica, which was intended at first as a self-help and education movement with targeted local goals but soon took on much wider, and eventually global, political and cultural significance. She married Marcus Garvey on Christmas Day, 1919. They separated the following year, and her work with the UNIA came to an end. Much of Ashwood-Garvey’s activism outside of the UNIA, took place in England. There, she was heavily involved in pan-Africanist activities as well as Trailblazing Jamaican women Louise Bennett . GLEANER PHOTOGRAPHER Sir Alexander Bustamante with his Lady Bustamante. CONTRIBUTED Mrs. Amy Bailey looking at the photograph of Mrs. Mary Morris-Knibb which she unveiled at the conference of administrators and branch officers of the Jamaica Federation of Women held at their headquarters, 74 Arnold Road, GLEANER PHOTOGRAPH Please see WOMEN, 5