During a conversation with Brother Johnnie Gossett, after the wonderful Marcus Garvey Sr. Exoneration Event in Philly on February 19, 2005, Brother Gossett presented a question to those assembled: “Many are in The UNIA-ACL, but how many have the UNIA-ACL in them?”

What a wonderful inspiration and self-checker that question and the resulting discourse were.  When he asked it, it was not many words, nor did it seem to be of extreme importance in the grand scheme of the conversation.  However, in hindsight, it speaks volumes.  If you know Brother Gossett, he does that.  He will engage you in a conversation, drop a modest bomb of wisdom and reflection, and send you into the world a more thoughtful and stronger man or woman.  If you have not met our Brother, please make sure to visit our Headquarters in Philly and vibe with Brother Gossett, you will be glad you did.

Brother Gossett said, “When the UNIA-ACL gets in you, you are changed”.  How insightful the statement.  Only one who has the UNIA-ACL within could make or understand the statement.  To have the UNIA-ACL in you, means having and demonstrating a LOVE for your people that is hard sometimes to put into words.  It is there, right in the middle of your heart, in your mind, and oozes from your pores.

The UNIA-ACL is not an organization, The Honorable Marcus Garvey Sr. set up an interim government.  He did not set up a social club, nor a hang out.  We do not sit around and talk-talk-talk.  Not at all, we put ours into action.  We show and prove, as the youth say.

“We do so, because we cannot do anything else.” as Brother Gossett said.  It starts as a question, becomes a thought, and integrates into the core of our being.  To be of service for our people is equal to breathing.  It is constantly there and not noticeable, until some event or idea awakens it and makes it roar.

Once awakened, roar it will!  When The UNIA-ACL is in you, when you hear of injustice, before you can catch yourself, you are on your feet, on the phone, on-line, in a picket line, protesting, writing letters, and may take an assignment you never thought you would be asked to take.  You may volunteer for an assignment, that you never thought you would.

When The UNIA-ACL is in you, titles are not your concern for you know they have no real power but come with serious duties and responsibilities.  Popularity is not your concern, and having your name in the spotlight is not your concern, for you understand popularity may be at best fleeting, and your name in spotlights may make you a target for the enemy.

Your concern is for our people, you are there when needed, no questions asked.  When issues appear, and they will, do you sit on the fence or do you stand for truth, justice, and righteousness?  Are you responsible for your actions, understanding that as Garveyites we represent The UNIA-ACL every minute of the day?

Are you representing The UNIA-ACL and our Dear Founder, or are you “pimping” us, as the youth say?  Are you some one I would be pleased to refer some one to, or are you in it for you and all The UNIA-ACL can do for you?  When The UNIA-ACL is in you, you realize that you have a Ying/Yang relationship.  You are because it is, and it is because you are.

The first paragraph of the oath we take upon entry into the UNIA-ACL is our mandate to our people and The UNIA-ACL. “I (say your name) in the presence of The Supreme GOD of  the Universe and all persons here assembled, do solemnly vow, that I do here and now dedicate my whole life to the Universal Negro Improvement Association and The African Communities League and the cause of the redemption of my Motherland, Africa.”

One may take many oaths during the course of a lifetime.  There are the oaths of The Boy or Girl Scouts.  There is the oath when one joins the Military.  There is the oath of Marriage.  There are also oaths of Secret Societies.  While no oath that I have taken were taken lightly, I find the one I took to enter the confraternity of The UNIA-ACL, as being the most serious oath I have taken.  It is just as meaningful to me today as it was in 2001, when I became a member of The UNIA-ACL Family.

I would like to send much love, respect, and credit to Mrs. Estelle James, whom I understand was the creator of this very wise question, and to Mr. Johnnie Gossett who whispered it into my heart, mind, and spirit.

ONE GOD * ONE AIM * ONE DESTINY

Last Update: 07/08/2006