Building Up Our Youth: STEM, Business, and Faith with the Wisdom of The Honorable Marcus M. Garvey
- The H3O/Art of Life Blog
- Aug 26
- 5 min read
By Dr. Gale B. Frazier
Presented by Omni-U Virtual University
Black children are brilliant. They have talent, the ability to change the world, and untapped dreams. Unfortunately, and too often, they are not given the tools they need to turn those dreams into reality. That is why we have to teach them STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), using hands-on applications and show, them how to build their own businesses, in addition to teaching them strong foundational truths in faith and values. And, if we really want to elevate the next generation, we have to tap into the powerful teachings of The Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a true visionary who taught and preached self-reliance, independence, Black excellence, and economic empowerment, values which are not presently not being taught in most schools today.
Why STEM Matters for Our Youth
Without a strong grounding in technology, our youth will be left behind to languish in the throes of despair and deprivation. And since technology-AI- is taking over everything, it is essential that they learn this. STEM careers are not just about coding; they are all- encompassing, involved in everything we do. Moreover, STEM is about creating positive and long-term solutions- designing apps, building robots, or drone technology, STEM gives our youth the power to innovate, rather than just consume what others produce. Our people must resume Our traditional position as producers.
Careers in STEM will open doors to them. These fields not only bring money,but also provide opportunities, influence, and bolster their creative genius. But, this is not just about getting a “good job”, it is about about knowing how to create jobs, solve community problems, and building a future where we control our own success…thus ENTREPRENEURSHIP with EXCELLENCE!!!!
Entrepreneurship is the Key to Financial Success
For too long, we have relied on others to create opportunities for us—being ‘job focused” and not business oriented. We were not taught these principles in schools, we were taught to aspire to getting a “good job”so, being employed was Our only thought . But, many times, those doors were closed to us. So, we simply settled for what we could get. This is why I spend much of my time teaching young people about entrepreneurship so that they can carve out a profitable future for themselves and Our people. When they learn, early, how to start their own businesses , they will never have to wait for someone else to give them a paycheck.
Marcus Garvey had this revelation. He preached about Black economic independence-owning our businesses, supporting each other, and building up our own communities with a legacy of wealth creation. There are many opportunities for our youth to thrive with the support of other successful Black folk who are willing to do due diligence in helping them with creatimg a tech startup, launching a clothing line, or running a small business. Entrepreneurship is about power and freedom. It is about making sure our youth can create wealth that lasts for generations. Two of my young people have been doing lawn care, vending, selling candy, and are interested in starting their own clothing line . They are encouraged when they see what hard work and commitment can do for them financially. I teach them soft skills and other important things to help build their skillsets. It has truly been a blessing to see how they have grown.
Faith and Godly Principles: The Foundation of Success
The youth must be taught that success is not just about making money because without values, integrity, and a sense of purpose, all of this would be for naught. The youth must have ethical standards and understand that they must be accountable and take responsibility for the decisions they make. That is where faith comes in. Teaching our youth Godly principles: honesty, hard work, compassion, and perseverance-ensures that they not only succeed but remain rooted in something greater than themselves.
As a Christian Minister of the Gospel, a great emphasis of my work is centered on ensuring that they are grounded in the faith. This grounding will help guide them in their decision-making abilities, which are more essential now than ever.
Faith teaches them that their talents and businesses are not just for their own benefit. They should be used to serve others, strengthen communities, and uplift those who need it.
Marcus Garvey understood this, too.He believed in the power of spirituality as a driving force behind Black liberation and empowerment.
Garvey’s Message: Build and Lead
Marcus Garvey’s wisdom is just as relevant today as it was back then. He taught us to know who we are, invest in ourselves, and never wait for anyone else to save us. His vision was about Black unity, financial independence, and self-determination.
If we pass these values and knowledge down to our children and youth at an early age, we give them the mindset to lead, not just to follow.
We have to remind them that they do not have to wait for anyone to give them opportunities-they can create opportunities for themselves.
This understanding is not just a good idea—it is a movement. If we teach our youth the concepts of STEM, business, and strong values- while embracing Garvey’s teachings- we will.be setting them up to be leaders, innovators, and game-changers.
However, this work cannot be done in a vacuum or in isolation. Neither is it a “one man or woman show”. It takes a village. So, whether you are a parent, a teacher, a business owner, or an elder, now is the time to invest in our youth. Mentor them. Teach them. Support them. Because when we build them up, we build a better future for all of us. You can also support the work that I have been doing through donations, engagement, prayer, or whatever is beneficial. It will be greatly appreciated.
In closing, Marcus Garvey said it best: “The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.” Let us make sure our youth know that and live it.
It is time to raise up a generation that knows their worth, builds their own success, and leads with wisdom, faith, and strength.
Thank you for this opportunity to share…. Please feel free to reach out to me if you are interested in helping us continue this work…...ONWARD!!!!
Blessings,
Dr. Gale B. Frazier: galefrazier@cs.com
Daughters of Sarah International Outreach Ministries
National Dean US Minority Contractors Association 708-985-1579
Suggested Reading:
Tony Martin.Race First: The Ideological and Organizational Struggles of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association..
Rev. Dr. Donnell Barnett, Associate Pastor Oakdale Covenant Church (8/24/25)
Recommended Viewing:
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