Religion - Rastafarianism in Barbados
The Rastafarian movement was founded in Jamaica and brought to Barbados in 1975. The movement was based on teachings of Marcus Garvey, the founder of Universal Negro Improvement Association in the 1920's. He promoted black pride by foocusing on self reliance and a "back to Africa" conciousness. He denounced the mentality that caused blacks to feel shame for their African heritage, as remnants of the days of slavery and British colonial indoctrination.
In 1920, Garvey said "Look to Africa when a black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is at hand". When Ras Tafari was crowned emperor Haile Selassie 1 of Ethiopia in 1930, many thought that Garvey's prophecy was being fulfilled and he was proclaimed "King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the conquering lion of the Tribe of Judah". Claimed to be the direct descendent of King David, Haile Selassie was the 225th ruler in an unbroken line of Ethiopian Kings from the time of Solomon and Sheba.
Today, rastafarians live simply and peacefully. Dedicated to the scriptures of the old testament, they denounce the system of corruption and opressors, which they call Babylon, and it's greed and dishonesty. They wear their hair in dreadlocks and are usual quite vocal about their beliefs. The movement spread quickly throughout Barbados as persons saw this as a connection to their roots, as well as passive rebellion against various forms of authority, i.e. Babylon. Though there are many misconseptions about people of this faith, Rastafarians promote peace and righteousness.
