On this day, 6th February 1905, the remarkable Una Marson was born in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, Jamaica. A poet, playwright, journalist, and activist, Marson was a pioneer in Caribbean literature and an unwavering advocate for gender equality and racial justice. Her contributions to literature and broadcasting helped shape the Caribbean’s literary landscape and empowered countless voices.
The youngest of six children, Marson was raised in an intellectual environment by her father, Reverend Solomon Isaac Marson, a Baptist minister and director of Hampton High School. She enrolled at Hampton at the age of ten, but tragedy struck that same year when her father passed away. The family relocated to Kingston, where Marson later found work as a volunteer social worker after completing her schooling.
Breaking Barriers in Journalism
Her career in journalism took off in 1926 when she became assistant editor of Jamaica Critic, a political journal that honed her editorial skills and deepened her social consciousness. Two years later, she made history as Jamaica’s first female editor and publisher with her own magazine, The Cosmopolitan. The publication championed feminist ideals, workers’ rights, and social issues, engaging young, middle-class Jamaicans in meaningful discourse. It also became a platform for emerging Jamaican literary voices, including Marson herself.
A Literary and Feminist Voice
Marson’s poetic brilliance shone through in Tropic Reveries (1930), her debut collection, which explored themes of love and nature from a distinctly feminist perspective. The work earned her the prestigious Musgrave Medal from the Institute of Jamaica, cementing her place in Caribbean literary circles. However, she aspired to reach a wider audience and, in 1932, moved to London—a decision that profoundly influenced her activism.
In London, she became the editor of The Keys, the official journal of the League of Coloured Peoples, founded in 1931 by fellow Jamaican activist and physician Dr Harold Moody. She played a pivotal role in the organisation, using her platform to address racial and social injustices.
As a Black immigrant woman, Marson faced both racism and sexism firsthand. She channelled these experiences into her writing and activism, joining the London branch of the International Alliance of Women. By 1935, her advocacy had extended to the international stage, where she championed women’s rights and racial equality.
Promoting Jamaican Literature and Social Welfare
Marson returned to Jamaica in 1936, determined to foster a literary movement. She co-founded the Kingston Readers and Writers Club and the Kingston Drama Club, creating spaces for intellectual and artistic expression. Her commitment to social welfare was evident in her establishment of the Jamaica Save the Children Fund, which aimed to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
Broadcasting Caribbean Voices to the World
In 1938, she returned to London and continued her humanitarian efforts. By 1941, she was on the staff of the Jamaican Standard before joining the BBC Empire Service. There, she spearheaded Calling the West Indies, a radio programme that connected Caribbean soldiers serving in World War II with their families. Recognising the need for a broader literary platform, she developed Caribbean Voices, a revolutionary programme that introduced the world to Caribbean literary talent.
The show became an incubator for over 200 writers, including V.S. Naipaul, Samuel Selvon, George Lamming, and Derek Walcott. Marson collaborated with literary giants such as Langston Hughes, T.S. Eliot, and George Orwell, who even assisted with editing the programme. Caribbean Voices was hailed as “the single most important literary catalyst for Caribbean creative writing in English,” shaping the region’s literary traditions for generations to come.
Later Years and Legacy
After the war, Marson returned to Jamaica, where she continued advocating for marginalised communities, including the Rastafari. Her passion for women’s rights took her to Israel for a conference, which she later discussed in her final BBC broadcast on Woman’s Hour.
On 6th May 1965, Una Marson passed away at the age of 60. Though much about her personal life remains unknown, her impact on Caribbean literature and social justice is undeniable. Her pioneering work paved the way for future generations of writers and activists, ensuring her legacy endures.
Today, we honour Una Marson—a visionary, a trailblazer, and a voice for the voiceless. Her contributions continue to inspire, reminding us of the power of words and the enduring strength of those who dare to challenge the status quo.
