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The Jamaica Progressive League (the League) was launched September 1, 1936 in New York City by a group of patriotic and committed Jamaicans. These men and women, though living in New York and away from the everyday problems back home in Jamaica, were determined to make things better for their fellow Nationals in their homeland, while at the same time working to make America a more welcoming environment for new arrivals.
The League was definite about its purpose and clearly outlined the principles essential to its program, which were as follows:
1. Universal Adult suffrage in Jamaica and the removal of property qualification for Candidates to office.
2. The right for labor unions to function legally.
3. A study of economic and social problems of the country in order to address needed reforms.
4. The promotion of inter-Caribbean trade and commerce and all other relations to bring a closer union of the people of the English speaking Caribbean.
5. Encourage study of the history, literature and geography of Jamaica and give assistance to all forms of artistic expressions by the people.
6. Motivation of Jamaicans in the United States and other foreign countries to retain a keen interest in the affairs of their homeland.
In addition the League spearheaded and funded the Independence Movement in Jamaica and provided a blueprint for such movements throughout the Caribbean. It brought modern politics to the region in full recognition of the inalienable right of one man one vote.
The League was at the forefront of the immigration fight in the US against the existing discriminatory system of migration, and was victorious. The League’s President was at the signing of the Civil Rights Act and the organization was recognized by President Johnson for its efforts.
The League promoted Jamaican culture, hosted Bob Marley and the Wailers for their first US concert, as well as the Jamaica National Dance Theater for its debut performance in the US.
Jamaica National Dance Theater
It was because of the League’s efforts that we have a reason to celebrate today, and this fact should not and must not be forgotten. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the League for its pioneering and forwarding action.
This year as Jamaica celebrate its 58th year of independence from Great Britain it would be befitting that the Jamaica Progressive League who was the pioneer and architect of Jamaica’s Independence and Nationhood be recognized for its contributions.
There is overwhelming evidence of the League’s successful actions and contributions to the Island, yet this bit of our history has been glossed over and downplayed by our historians and the leadership in Jamaica. This gross neglect shows reckless disregard for the service and spirit of nationalism displayed by these gallant men and women who fought for the soul of Jamaica. They are truly the mothers and fathers of our nation.
The diminishing of the Jamaican prominence in the communities has been blamed on the splintering of groups within, and in an effort to reverse that trend, the League has taken the following steps:
- Request from NYC Council, the co-naming of Light Street in the Bronx, Jamaica Progressive League Way.
- Partnering with the not for profit arm, Jamaica Benevolent Arm & Cultural Center, to establish and operate a food pantry that serves the needy in the Bronx community.
- Partnering with the Garvey School, Bronx, NY and fully supporting the school’s academic programs that stir and ignite the student’s curiosity and innate desire to learn and discover.
- Partnering with the bordering City of Mt. Vernon to address some common ills that are of grave concern to both locations.
While the League continues to hold the flag of Jamaica high, with various programs including, building preservation program for its library and resource center, seminars, and cultural enrichment-acknowledgement and support at this time would be the proverbial shot in the arm.
Sadie Campbell is Present of the Bronx-based Jamaica Progressive League.