Rastafari:
A History of Resistance and Anti-British Monarchy
Leonard P. Howell, often regarded as the founding philosopher of the Rastafari movement, was a pioneering force in the fight against colonial rule and British monarchy in Jamaica.
Howell’s journey into activism and his role in challenging imperialism through the Rastafari movement represents one of Jamaica’s greatest contributions to global anti-colonial struggles. Despite facing immense adversity, Howell used his platform to awaken consciousness, empower the oppressed and redefine sovereignty for the descendants of the African diaspora.
Born in the early 20th century in Jamaica, Howell became a key figure in one of the most transformative socio-political movements in the country. In the years between 1933 and 1938, Howell’s speeches, inspired by the coronation of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, galvanized labourers and marginalised communities in Jamaica. To Howell, Haile Selassie represented a divine messiah, the “King of Kings,” who symbolised freedom from oppression and the fall of imperial powers like Britain. His movement was not just a religious revival but a revolutionary ideology that called for the reclamation of identity, liberation from colonial rule and the rejection of systemic injustice.
Planting the Seeds of Rebellion
Howell’s first recorded meeting took place in Trinityville, St. Thomas, where he passionately declared Emperor Haile Selassie as the true King and messiah for oppressed peoples. Using biblical prophecy as a foundation, Howell informed his audience of the rise and fall of great empires, boldly declaring that Britain, referred to as modern-day Babylon, had already fallen. His condemnation of the
British monarchy, Christian churches preaching “false doctrines,” and the white planter elite struck a chord with Jamaica’s labourers while infuriating colonial authorities and the planter class.
Howell’s early gatherings often took the form of powerful orations infused with spiritual, apocalyptic imagery. The reception was polarising. While the oppressed labourers cheered Howell as a prophet of liberation, the planter class, represented by figures like John Ross, viewed his words as dangerous and seditious. The colonial authorities initially hesitated to arrest Howell despite complaints from plantation owners, recognising the political sensitivity surrounding his growing influence.
The Rise of Early Rastafari Resistance
Howell’s second wave of activism saw him establish the “Kings of Kings World Headquarters” in Port Morant, further amplifying the Rastafari message. With increasing numbers of followers adopting the Rastafari faith and its anti-British rhetoric, colonial authourities intensified their surveillance. Howell’s speeches were denounced by newspapers, clergy and planters, who collectively branded him as a menace to both local governance and the plantation economy. Letters from church leaders to the police described Howell and his followers as “extremists” whose growing influence threatened rebellion and bloodshed.
The colonial government eventually acted. Howell was arrested multiple times in late 1933 and early 1934, facing charges of sedition for his speeches that rejected the British monarchy and promoted Haile Selassie as the rightful sovereign. Howell’s courtroom defence mirrored those of other revolutionaries like Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela in later years, as he used the proceedings as a platform to articulate the principles of Rastafari.
Despite being sentenced to prison, Howell’s imprisonment only heightened his reputation as a martyr and solidified his role as a key figure in Jamaica’s anti-colonial narrative.
Rastafari on Trial
Howell’s trial for sedition was a defining moment for the early Rastafari movement. The colonial authourities viewed Howell as a direct threat to the established order, but his defiance and commitment to Rastafari principles inspired a new generation of anti-colonial activists. The court’s harsh treatment of Howell exposed the lengths to which the colonial government would go to silence dissent, reinforcing the systemic oppression faced by the Afro-Jamaican community.
Despite the efforts to suppress Howell and the Rastafari movement, the ideas he championed gained traction, spreading beyond Jamaica to influence global perceptions of resistance and liberation. Rastafari became synonymous with the fight for dignity, self-determination and the rejection of imperialism. Howell’s vision extended beyond religious beliefs; it was a call to awaken collective consciousness and dismantle systems of oppression.
Rastafari: Jamaica’s Legacy to the World
The Rastafari movement is a testament to the enduring power of grassroots resistance. Howell’s pioneering efforts to challenge British colonial rule laid the groundwork for broader anti-colonial movements and inspired similar struggles across the African diaspora.
Today, Rastafari is celebrated not only as a spiritual movement but also as a cultural and political force that continues to challenge injustice and advocate for liberation.
As we reflect on Howell’s legacy, it is crucial to recognise the broader implications of his work. The Rastafari movement’s emphasis on reclaiming identity, fostering unity and rejecting oppressive systems remains relevant in today’s global conversations about social justice and equity. Howell’s story reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, resilience and conviction can spark transformative change.
Embracing the Legacy of Resistance
Leonard P. Howell’s legacy and the roots of the Rastafari movement are powerful reminders of the fight for justice, equity and liberation. Educating ourselves about Howell’s role in shaping anti-colonial struggles and global consciousness is not just an act of learning, but a step toward recognising the immense contributions of marginalised communities to history.
By amplifying these voices, we honour revolutionaries like Howell who resisted colonial oppression and challenged the status quo. Their stories inspire us to confront systemic injustice in our own lives—advocating for equity, representation, and the dismantling of oppressive systems wherever they exist. Howell’s work is a call to awaken, resist, and rebuild.
How will you carry this legacy forward? Share your thoughts in the comments, spread the history by sharing this post, and like if you stand for freedom, justice, and equality. Let’s keep the movement alive!