1958 – Birth of Jamaican Activist Mutabaruka

On May 30, 1958, Mutabaruka—Jamaican dub poet, activist, and Rastafarian philosopher—was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Renowned for his fusion of reggae, poetry, and political critique, Mutabaruka became one of the most influential cultural figures in the Caribbean. His work challenges imperialism, capitalism, and Eurocentric education systems while promoting African consciousness and Rastafarian ethics. Through poetry and radio, he has educated generations on Black history, from the transatlantic slave trade to anti-colonial resistance. May 30 is an occasion to celebrate how Caribbean voices have shaped global Black consciousness and used art as a tool of resistance. Mutabaruka’s fearless commentary and cultural insight continue to resonate across Africa, the Americas, and the diaspora. His birth represents the deep connections between oral tradition, music, and revolutionary thought in Black internationalism.