The overlooked legacy of Leonard Percival Howell

THE EDITOR, Madam:

When people think of Rastafari, the name that often comes to mind is Bob Marley. When they think of Emperor Haile Selassie, the name that comes to mind is usually Marcus Garvey. Yet, far too often, the name Leonard Percival Howell—the man widely recognised as the founder of the Rastafari Movement—is ignored.

It was Leonard Howell who introduced many Jamaicans to the divinity and significance of Emperor Haile Selassie I. It was Howell who boldly challenged colonial rule and taught black Jamaicans that King George was not their king. For speaking these truths, he faced persecution, imprisonment, and brutal treatment. He was charged with sedition and other treasonous offences, and had he been convicted on the most serious charges, he could have suffered the same fate as Paul Bogle and William Gordon.

Howell urged black people to reject the colonial interpretation of Christianity, which had been used to justify oppression, and instead embrace a spiritual identity rooted in African dignity, self-respect, and the teachings of Emperor Haile Selassie I. His message inspired a movement that grew from the hills of Jamaica into a worldwide cultural and spiritual force.

Despite my father’s immense contribution to Jamaican and global history, Leonard Howell has never received the level of recognition he deserves. His birthday, June 16, is not observed as a national holiday. During Black History Month, his name is often absent from official commemorations, even though few individuals have contributed more to Jamaica’s cultural and spiritual legacy.

The Rastafari Movement is recognised throughout the world, influencing music, culture, politics, and spirituality. Yet the man who laid its foundation—and who has, metaphorically, borne great sacrifice—remains largely unrecognised by the very nation where the movement began.

It is time for Jamaica to fully acknowledge Leonard Percival Howell’s contribution to history. Honouring his birthday on June 16 as a national day of recognition would be a meaningful step toward preserving the legacy of a man whose vision helped transform Jamaica and inspire people around the world.

JIM HOWELL