Harlem's Socrates: Race First in Jim Crow America
and not Africa, suggested the formulation of a sovereign nation of African Americans within the United States. This was proposed in the declaration of the International Colored Unity League, Harrison’s second Race First organization, a few years before his death.111 Harrison continued to refer to himself as president of the Liberty League up until 1923, reflecting his continued interest in the organization and his refusal to join the UNIA. Although the Liberty League never officially disbanded, after the initial boom of the 1917 launch, the League faded into obscurity. In spite of the organization’s decline, he continued to refer to himself in print as “Hubert H. Harrison, President of the Liberty League.”112 While Harrison worked for the Negro World, he still associated with the Liberty League, preferring the presidency of his own organization than working under the auspices of Garvey. As a result of Harrison’s work with the Negro World, as an editor and columnist he made connections with people from all over the world. He may have used this as a means to promote the Liberty League, further avoiding and potentially undermining the UNIA. Harrison received a letter dated February 8, 1921, from a J.P. Williams of the Gold Coast. Williams led a club dedicated to education and international exchange of correspondence between people of color, a Pan-African connection. Williams acknowledged he admired Harrison’s articles from the Negro World. He then requested information about the UNIA and the Black Star Line as well as any reading material which could be lent or gifted. The next letter to Harrison is insightful. Dated November 6, 1921, Williams thanked Harrison for his response of August 30 and the materials he provided. He wrote: The idea of the average African at home is that nothing of importance can begin locally, its inception must be from the White man’s country. Therefore I am of opinion that The Liberty League
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