Behold Rastafari Revised Edition: Roots of an Indiginous Jamaican Cultural Movement That is Changing the World

BEHOLD RASTAFARI – Revised EditionRoots of a Jamaican Indigenous Movement That Is Changing the WorldBy Ansell “RasPadaItion” PalmerWhat is Rastafari—really?Too often misunderstood, misrepresented, or reduced to stereotypes of dreadlocks, reggae, and ganja, Rastafari is in truth one of the most powerful spiritual, cultural, political, and philosophical movements to emerge from the African diaspora.In BEHOLD RASTAFARI, educator, poet, researcher, and cultural advocate Ansell “RasPadaItion” Palmer takes readers on a groundbreaking journey into the origins, beliefs, symbols, struggles, and global impact of Jamaica’s first indigenous spiritual movement.Written from both an insider’s perspective and with scholarly rigor, this book presents Rastafari on its own terms—through African-centered research, oral traditions, historical analysis, interviews, and lived experience.Inside this revised and expanded edition, readers will discover:The African, Ethiopian, and Biblical roots of RastafariThe roles of Marcus Garvey, Leonard Howell, Joseph Hibbert, Bedward, and other early pioneersThe divinity, history, and significance of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress MenenThe history of persecution, protest, and resistance in Jamaica and abroadThe diversity of the movement through the various Rastafari mansions and associationsThe meanings behind important Rastafari symbols, rituals, and ceremoniesThe relationship between Rastafari, repatriation, reparations, African liberation, and Pan-AfricanismSpeeches of Haile Selassie I translated into the language of RastafariStraight answers to popular questions about Rastafari, ganja, theology, and misconceptionsA newly added Chronology of the Rastafarian Movement tracing key events through historyA newly expanded chapter on Ital Livity, including how Rastafari principles relate to meals, health, and wholistic livingThis Revised Edition features:A brand-new cover designUpdated and enhanced imagesNewly added Chronology chapterNewly added Questions & Answers sectionExpanded Ital/Livity and meal-related contentImproved formatting and updated content throughoutMore than a book, BEHOLD RASTAFARI is a cultural testimony, a historical archive, and a scholarly intervention.Whether you are a student of history, religion, sociology, African studies, Caribbean studies, or simply a truth-seeker wanting to understand one of the world’s most influential liberation movements—this book will challenge assumptions, deepen understanding, and inspire reasoning.Behold Rastafari. Behold resistance. Behold African continuity. Read more