1920 – Marcus Garvey Lays Cornerstone of Liberty Hall in Harlem

On May 30, 1920, Marcus Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), laid the cornerstone of Liberty Hall in Harlem, New York. This building would become the epicenter of Pan-African activism and Black internationalist thought. As thousands gathered, Garvey declared Liberty Hall a beacon for global Black unity, self-determination, and economic independence. The event solidified Harlem as the spiritual capital of the Black world, drawing activists and visionaries from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Garvey’s vision of a united African diaspora was advanced from this site, making May 30 a symbol of Afro-diasporic sovereignty. Liberty Hall hosted mass meetings, cultural events, and educational programs that inspired decolonization efforts worldwide. Today, Garvey’s bold actions on this day remain a touchstone in Black internationalism and continue to influence movements advocating for African liberation, Pan-African economics, and cultural pride.