Alistair Robertson Bücher

This compelling first-person account explores the origins of the Rastafari ideology, culture, and philosophy, shedding light on a significant yet often overlooked chapter in Jamaican history. In 1932, Leonard Percival Howell began leading nonviolent protests in Kingston against British colonial rule, advocating for self-reliance among the impoverished. While figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. are celebrated for their nonviolent strategies, Howell's contributions remain largely unknown. His preaching on the streets led to perceptions of sedition, making him a target for police harassment. Howell founded the Ethiopian Salvation Society, integrating a religious aspect into Marcus Garvey's vision of African independence. He broke from traditional Christian interpretations of the Bible, recognizing Emperor Haile Selassie I as a living deity. This led to the coining of the term "Ras Tafarites" or "Rastas." Despite multiple arrests and a two-year prison sentence for sedition, Howell established a self-reliant community named Pinnacle in St. Catherine, which thrived for sixteen years. In "The Lost Paradise of Rasta," his son Bill "Blade" Howell shares insights into this community, addressing misconceptions about Rastafari culture, including claims of sexism and homophobia. Pinnacle was founded on egalitarian principles, avoiding religious dogma. This work offers a vital perspective on the Rastafari subculture that