It is said that Marcus Garvey is the one who started the ideas of Rastafarianism. Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican man who believed in black self-empowerment. He is the founder of the Back to Africa Movement. This movement called for all blacks to return to their ancestral home, specifically Ethiopia. He spoke of the redemption of black people through a future black African king. Garvey called the white religion a rejection of black culture. He insisted that blacks leave Babylon (the western world) and return to their homeland of Africa.

In 1930, Ras Tafari was crowned emperor of Ethiopia. He was given the name Haile Selassie. He claimed to be the direct descendant of King David. Haile Selassie and his followers were proud to be black. They tried to restore the black heritage that was lost by loosing faith and straying from holy ways. Blacks looked at him as God.

Rastafarians believe that all people of the world are equal and are brought together by one god, Jah. To them

Bob Marley was the first Rastafarian to bring their views and struggles to the public ear by music. This particular music is called reggae. Reggae came about in the 1960's. Most of the time when you think of Rastas, you think of reggae and vice versa. It is a very popular type of music. Bob Marley had a lot to do with that. We still listen to his music today and he has been dead over twenty years.

Marijuana is used to help meditate. They believe God put it on Earth for people. Marijuana, or ganja, is illegal in this country and most parts of the world. That is why it is unacceptable to some people.

Selassie made a trip to Jamaica on April 21, 1966. This trip became an important event in Jamaican history. Selassie told the Rastafarians that they should not go back to Ethiopia until they taught their religion to all the people of Jamaica. Rastafarians celebrate April 21 as a holy day because of this special visit.

Rastafarians wear dreadlocks in their hair. This is one of the reasons why they have such a negative image in society. Many people feel their hair is wild and unattractive. Dreadlocks symbolize deep devotion to the Holy God, Jah. Another reason they wear dreadlocks is that locks are semi-permanent. A person can't change his or her hairstyle without shaving off all of their hair. The hair is left uncut and not brushed. Dreadlocks take a long time to grow. They are a form of commitment. The Bible mentions locks. For example, "All the days of the vow of the separation, there shall be no razor come upon his head until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the Lord, he shall be holy, and let

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Approximate Word count = 1115
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)