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Differences and Similarities Between the Rastafari Movement and the Nation of Islam

Florida International University—University Park Campus

The two Black social movements under consideration in this article are now well established among Black communities in America and, although widely thought to be distinct from each other, have much in common. As such, this article seeks to explore the similarities and differences between the movements. One overarching similarity is that both movements empower their largely Black adherents by providing them with a positive Black identity. This may be viewed as an outcome of both movements being inspired by Marcus Garvey. In addition, because these movements emphasize change within the individual rather than change in the surrounding social structure, they are considered to be expressive social movements. A key difference between the movements is the specific type of positive Black identity that is inculcated. For the Rastafari movement, it is an African-centered, Afrocentric identity, whereas for the Nation of Islam it is a Blackcentric identity (that is not geographically anchored).

Key Words: Black social movements • empowerment • positive Black identity • Afrocentric identity • Blackcentric identity

Journal of Black Studies, Vol. 36, No. 6, 873-893 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0021934705279611


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