The Rastafari Movement

The Rastafari Movement is a spiritual and cultural movement that began in Jamaica in the 1930s. It combines African cultural identity, religious beliefs, and social teachings emphasizing unity, resistance against oppression, and the divine authority of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. Followers, called Rastafarians, often celebrate African heritage, use reggae music to spread their message, and practice rituals like dreadlocks and ital (natural) diet. The movement advocates for social justice, spiritual awakening, and a return to Africa, which they consider their spiritual homeland, fostering a sense of identity and resistance among marginalized communities.