President-Generals

(1) Marcus M. Garvey/Founder

Service:1914 - 1940

When most people think of the UNIA, they recall the photographs of elaborate Harlem
parades in the 1920s reflect upon our Founder's prolific speeches and regard the
Garvey Movement as a success during a time when we did more with less.However,
few know that the Association outlived its founder and continues to champion the ideals
first advocated by Mr. Garvey nearly 100 years ago.

(2) James R. Stewart

Service: 1940 - 1964

After Mr. Garvey died in 1940, his successor, The Honorable James R Stewart of Cleveland, OH,
wasted no time reorganizing the movement, launching the New Negro World Newspaper
establishing independent farm communities and repatriating the UNIA Headquarters to Liberia,
West Africa. He fiercely advocated African Independence, appealing for an African Freedom
Charter in 1945 before the United Nations, supporting a host of African Repatriation Bills in
the US Congress while actively establishing Divisions of the Association throughout Africa to
promote the spirit of independence and Universal African Nationalism.Undoubtedly, his words
and works were a driving force behind many African Leaders who religiously considered
themselves Garveyites and regarded their independence as a fulfillment of the UNIA's vision
of "Africa for the Africans

(3) James Bennett Sr.

Service:1964 - 1968

Upon President-General Stewart's death in 1964, the Honorable Commissioner James Bennett, Sr.
of Youngstown, OH inherited the responsibility of spearheading the Association during the height
of the turbulent 1960s. Despite his efforts to expand the Movement and host a series of massive
conventions to revitalize the base, his ill health and untimely demise deprived him of the opportunity
to fulfill his administrative mandates.

(4) Vernon Wilson

Service: 1968 - 1975

In 1968, the Honorable Vernon Wilson of Chicago, IL was elected President-General. Upon taking his
oath, he immediately devised plans to erect an $11 million Marcus Garvey Complex in Cleveland, OH
and sought to mend a rift between the UNIA and one of its renegade out-growths. When efforts to
reconcile with this dissident faction failed, President-General Wilson was forced to vigorously defend
the Association from a number of legal attacks waged by the group. Fortunately, he was able to
successfully protect the UNIA from these copious legal challenges and attract a host of ambitious
young leaders before his death in 1975.

(5) Mason A. Hargrave

Service 1975 - 1988

President-General Mason A Hargrave succeeded Wilson and came in roaring like a lion. He quickly
defeated all legal disputes and pressured Cleveland's City Hall to Fly the UNIA's Red, Black and
Green Flag. He actively engaged in political education with the community and introduced a
Walk Through The Projects Campaign,inviting local civic leaders to share their program, ideology,
precepts and example with the under-privileged communities and help service their needs.
P-G Hargrave also attended a number of important national and international events,including
The Unveiling of Marcus Garvey's Bust at the Organization of American States' Hall of Heroes in
1980; the US Congressional Hearing for the Exoneration of the Most Honorable Marcus Garvey in
1987. Sadly, President-General Hargrave died shortly after the International Headquarters of the
UNIA in Cleveland was destroyed by fire in 1988.