Out of the Colonial Caribbean
The Rastafari movement in Britain is intimately connected to the movement in Jamaica through imperial history. In fact, Jamaica was still a British colony when Rastafari began to agitate publically for repatriation to Africa. A telegram to Queen Elizabeth II from Prince Emmanuel of the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress demanded reparation and repatriation - fours year after an official visit to Britain by Haile Selassie I in 1954. When the queen’s aide asked ‘who are these?” , the reply came from the colonial office: “The Rastafaris!”
What were colonial perceptions of the Rastafari movement, and how did Rastafari from the Caribbean seek to use the British connection for their cause?
What were colonial perceptions of the Rastafari movement, and how did Rastafari from the Caribbean seek to use the British connection for their cause?
Evidence
Perceptions of the MovementInvestigate perceptions of the Rastafari Movement by news media and the colonial administration.
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The Pankhurst ConnectionInvestigate Sylvia Pankhurst's connection to the Rastafari movement and what it tells us about colonial perceptions.
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The Mission to AfricaInvestigate a diplomatic attempt by Jamaican Rastafari, passing through London, to reach out to Elizabeth II.
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