Leonard Percival Howell

Leonard Percival Howell, born in 1898 in Clarendon, Jamaica, is recognized as the founder of the Rastafari movement, which began in 1940 when he established the community of Pinnacle in Sligoville, St Catherine. Howell's teachings centered on the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I and emphasized black empowerment and pride, making him a pivotal figure in advocating for self-reliance and spiritual awakening among marginalized communities. Despite facing persecution from colonial authorities, Howell's vision helped inspire a global movement that profoundly influenced music, culture, and spirituality.