Author and former Jamaican public servant, Lloyd D. McCarthy offers an intellectual and timely re-examination of the scholarly works of two well-known Afro-Caribbeans in his dynamic book "In-Dependence" from Bondage - Claude McKay and Michael Manley: Defying the Ideological Clash and Policy Gaps in African Diaspora Relations." A highly insightful grouping, McCarthy pairs novelist/poet, Claude McKay (1890-1948), whose innovative works ignited the Harlem Literary Renaissance, and Michael N. Manley (1924-1997), the Jamaican politician whose ideas, and revolutionary political activity lifted national and international political awareness including in the form of business and global relations.

In-Dependence from Bondage: Claude McKay and Michael Manley: Defying the Ideological Clash and Policy Gaps in African Diaspora Relations

“In-Dependence from Bondage” is a compilation of the world views of the well known Poet, Claude McKay, and the world renowned Afro-Caribbean Socialist, Michel Manley. Both men, although of different generations, are known for their dedication to social change as it relates to the exploitation of the peoples of African descent in the Western hemisphere. Claude McKay's poetry was one of the great forces in bringing about what is often called the Negro Literary Renaissance.

Over a period of nearly four centuries approximately 4,000,000 Africans were transported to North America and the Caribbean Islands as the results of slave trading.  Scattered, dispersed, and separated from their family and culture, these peoples persevered to maintain their traditions, religion, language, and folklore. Lloyd McCarthy, in this book, focuses primarily on the Jamaican perspective; however, it is relevant to the social, political, and economic conditions everywhere.  I found the poetry of Claude McKay thought-provoking and enlightening on the African Diaspora and the plight of these exploited peoples.  

McCarthy successfully illustrates the impetus, impact and corrective tactics currently being considered which are central to combating white racism, classicism, and Western imperialism.  McCarthy gives the reader a definitive compilation of the writings of Claude McKay and Michael Manley.  He has analyzed their works using references from dozens of authors and their interpretations of the ideological clash and policy gaps in African Diaspora relations. His research is well documented with complete and thorough endnotes. 

McCarthy also is an Afro-Jamaican, and instills the influence of his personal history and heritage in his writing.  He reveals his own empathy for the peasants and the working-class outlook, and the political perspectives that McKay and Manley expressed.

This work is a major contribution to the study of African Diaspora as it relates to globalization, policy planning, and international relations with developing and impoverished nations. McCarthy also presents valuable insight into how literature, biographical narrative, and intellectual history are interconnected with politics. The book is a wake up call to the peoples and nations of the African Diaspora to find collective solutions to survive globalization.

“In-Dependence from Bondage” holds promise of becoming the guidebook or blueprint for the liberation movement and should be read by our Washington politicians as well as all New World Africans.