Honouring Chief Dr. Julius Garvey – The Marcus Garvey Legacy Continues

Ottawa, Canada – July 12, 2024

In a historic celebration of legacy and leadership, the esteemed Omanye Royal Kingdom hosted “Honouring Chief Dr. Julius Garvey – The Marcus Garvey Legacy Continues.” This momentous occasion, held at the illustrious Hilton Lac Leamy in Canada’s National Capital Region, captivated a global audience of dignitaries, community leaders, and ardent supporters, all gathered to honour the enduring influence of Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the legendary Marcus Garvey.

The evening unfolded with a mesmerizing performance by Artists in Motion, setting an uplifting and inspiring tone for the festivities. After a warm welcome and introduction of all present Royals and distinguished guests, Her Highness Queen Mother Adeke Hajila (Dr. ChenziRa Davis Kahina) took the stage, delivering a powerful keynote that underscored the profound themes of leadership, empowerment and community development. Her eloquent words resonated deeply, leaving an indelible mark on all present.

HRH Prince Alvin also captivated the audience with an insightful presentation on leadership and community development. His speech highlighted the Omanye Royal Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to creating environments where every community member can flourish. It illuminated the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering unity, collaboration, and the transformative potential of compassionate leadership.

A pinnacle moment of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Community Award to Ms. Elaine Robinson, founder of G.H.E.T.T.O Stories. An organization whose mission is to redefine the term GHETTO by sharing authentic stories of individuals who have triumphed over insurmountable odds. With a focus on people rather than their circumstances, Ms. Elaine and her team spread hope within the communities they serve, believing that the ghetto is not a place but rather a state of mind. Her heartfelt acceptance speech expressed immense gratitude and admiration for the Garvey legacy, reflecting the evening’s spirit of celebration and recognition. It was a memorable moment as she received this honour from the hands of her personal hero, Dr. Julius Garvey. This award was followed by a stirring tribute to Marcus Garvey’s vision for Pan-African unity and self-reliance, reminding the audience of his enduring influence.

The spotlight then shifted to a Haitian executive from the Omanye Royal Kingdom, who eloquently recounted Dr. Julius Garvey’s humanitarian efforts in Haiti. Her detailed account celebrated his significant contributions to healthcare infrastructure and sustainable development, highlighting his steadfast commitment to uplifting underserved communities. Omanye’s Haitian delegation concluded this segment by presenting a gift to Chief Dr. Julius Garvey. 

Dr. Wale Ajibade of African views, delivered a heartfelt testimonial expressing a profound appreciation and admiration for Dr. Garvey, paving the way for a moving poetry performance inspired by Marcus Garvey’s timeless quotes.

The atmosphere reached a crescendo as Her Royal Majesty, Queen Vickylextar, accompanied by Dr. Wale Ajibade and HH Papa Paul Jones Eganda 1, presented Dr. Garvey with an award recognizing his exceptional contributions to community development and leadership. The unveiling of “The Garvey Legacy Continues,” a poignant portrait by Montreal-based artist Emmanuel Ayo, symbolized the enduring impact of the Garvey legacy. Queen Vickylextar also took the time to acknowledge Mrs Constance Garvey, wife of Dr. Julius Garvey. Her Royal Majesty invited Mrs Garvey  on stage, commending her on the support and all the work that goes on behind the scenes and that no one sees. It was a touching and historic moment. 

Chief Dr. Julius Garvey’s keynote address was a tour de force. Dr. Garvey stood tall, reinforcing the importance of knowing who we are, where we come from, and seeking continuous improvements and success for our community. An engaging Question period with the audience also allowed him the opportunity to share invaluable insights on the necessity of innovation, overcoming challenges, and the vital importance of knowledge sharing. The evening gracefully concluded with a powerful cultural performance by none other than reggae sensation Jonathan “Jahz” McLean, who charmed the crowd, and ended his set with the audience singing ‘Redemption Song’ in perfect harmony. At the end of the night, Omanye’s Chancellor expressed a heartfelt expression of gratitude to attendees, sponsors, and collaborators, and invited all to continue the vibrant discussions during the post-event reception.

This extraordinary event was a testament to Marcus Garvey’s enduring legacy and Dr. Julius Garvey’s profound contributions. It celebrated the principles of unity, empowerment, and community development that continue to inspire and uplift communities worldwide.

For more information about the Omanye Royal Kingdom and future events, please visit omanye.org or contact us.

Tswa Omanye abla wò!

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Contact: Omanye Royal Kingdom Media Relations

Email: omanyeroyalhouse@gmail.com