Dr. Julius Garvey honored for continuing Marcus Garvey’s legacy at Queen Vickylextar’s 50th birthday

In a landmark weekend-long event celebrating legacy and leadership, Her Royal Majesty, Queen
Vickylextar, leader of the Omanye Royal Kingdom hosted “Honoring Chief Dr. Julius Garvey – The
Marcus Garvey Legacy Continues” as part of her 50th birthday celebrations at the prestigious Hilton
Lac Leamy in Canada’s National Capital Region.

This momentous occasion gathered dignitaries, community leaders, and supporters from around the globe to honor the celebration of Her Majesty’s birthday and the enduring influence of Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the legendary Marcus Garvey.

Opening and Keynote Addresses

The evening commenced with a captivating performance by Artists in Motion, setting an inspiring tone
for the festivities.

Following a warm welcome and introduction of all present Royals and distinguished guests, Her Highness Queen Mother Adeke Hajila (Dr. ChenziRa Davis Kahina) delivered a powerful keynote address. Her speech underscored themes of leadership, empowerment, and community development, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

HRH Prince Alvin also addressed the audience, highlighting the Omanye Royal Kingdom’s
unwavering commitment to creating environments where every community member can thrive. His
presentation emphasized the Kingdom’s dedication to unity, collaboration, and the transformative
potential of compassionate and effective leadership.

Community Award Presentation

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Community Award to Ms. Elaine
Robinson, founder of G.H.E.T.T.O Stories. Ms. Robinson’s organization redefines the term GHETTO
by sharing authentic stories of individuals who have triumphed over significant challenges. Her
heartfelt acceptance speech, expressing immense gratitude and admiration for the Garvey legacy,
captured the evening’s spirit of celebration and recognition.

The second award was presented to Mr. Moses Abayomi Pratt, born in Lagos, Nigeria. He started his
teaching career in 1988 and retired in 2017, having taught various grades and subjects. An active
community member, he is a founding member of the Isokan Yoruba of Ottawa Association and the
founder and President of the Global Community Alliance (GCA). GCA, established in 2009. Pratt
continues to contribute to the community through seminars on youth empowerment, financial literacy,
and personal development. Married for 34 years, he is a father and grandfather, enjoying his
retirement while remaining an active community leader.

They both received these honours from both HRM Queen Vickylextar & Dr. Julius Garvey, making the
moment especially memorable.

Tributes and Recognitions

The event featured a stirring tribute to Marcus Garvey’s vision for Pan-African unity and self-reliance,
with an eloquent account of Dr. Julius Garvey’s humanitarian efforts in Haiti delivered by a Haitian/Canadian executive from the Omanye Royal Kingdom, Lady Lisa Saint-Georges. The detailed
recounting celebrated his contributions to healthcare infrastructure and sustainable development in
underserved communities. The Haitian delegation concluded this segment by presenting a gift to
Chief Dr. Julius Garvey.

Dr. Wale Ajibade of African Views delivered a heartfelt testimonial, paving the way for a moving poetry
performance inspired by Marcus Garvey’s timeless quotes. The atmosphere reached a crescendo as
Her Royal Majesty Queen Vickylextar, accompanied by Dr. Wale Ajibade and His Highness Papa Paul
Jones Eganda I, presented Dr. Garvey with an award recognizing his exceptional contributions to
community development and leadership on behalf of the Omanye Royal Kingdom.

Unveiling and Acknowledgements

The unveiling of “The Garvey Legacy Continues,” a poignant portrait by Montreal-based artist
Emmanuel Ayo, symbolized the enduring impact of the Garvey legacy. Her Royal Majesty Queen
Vickylextar also acknowledged Mrs. Constance Garvey, wife of Dr. Julius Garvey, commending her for
her support and behind-the-scenes work. This touching moment highlighted the importance of family
and support in sustaining great legacies.

Keynote Address and Cultural Performance

Chief Dr. Julius Garvey’s keynote address was a tour de force, reinforcing the importance of
understanding our heritage and striving for continuous improvement and success within our
communities. An engaging Q&A session allowed Dr. Garvey to share invaluable insights on
innovation, overcoming challenges, and the vital importance of knowledge sharing.

The evening concluded with a powerful cultural performance. The audience joined in singing
‘Redemption Song’ in perfect harmony, creating a memorable and uplifting end to the event.
Omanye’s Chancellor expressed heartfelt gratitude to attendees, and collaborators, inviting all to
continue vibrant discussions and dancing during the post-event reception.

Conclusion

This extraordinary event was a testament to Her Majesty’s belief that when one is honoured, we are
all honoured as she chose to make the focus of the 50th birthday celebration about honouring others
who are also doing their part to improve their communities and nations such as Marcus Garvey’s
enduring legacy and Dr. Julius Garvey’s profound contributions. It celebrated the principles of unity,
empowerment, and community development that continue to inspire and uplift communities
worldwide.