Black Russia, also known as the Russian Black Movement, was a paramilitary organization that advocated for establishing an independent African-American state. It was created by Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born political leader, entrepreneur, and civil rights activist.
Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914, which aimed to promote black unity and empowerment. As part of his movement, Garvey proposed the establishment of a black homeland in Liberia, West Africa, where African-Americans could escape racial discrimination and oppression in the United States.
However, in the early 1920s, Garvey shifted his focus to the Soviet Union and formed an alliance with the Soviet government. He believed that the Bolsheviks were genuine supporters of black liberation and equality. As a result, Garvey created the Black Russia movement to encourage African-Americans to emigrate to the Soviet Union.
While there was support for the Black Russia movement among some African-Americans, ultimately, the movement did not gain significant traction, and Garvey's relationship with the Soviet Union deteriorated. Garvey was accused of misusing funds and was imprisoned in the United States in 1925. After serving time, he was deported to Jamaica in 1927.
Overall, Marcus Garvey is credited with creating the Black Russia movement, which aimed to provide African-Americans with an alternative to racial discrimination and inequality in the United States.
