Marcus Garvey was a self-starter who achieved unparalleled success despite the obstacles of his time. Born in Jamaica in 1887, the youngest of eleven children and the son of a mason and a domestic worker, Garvey yearned for greatness at a young age. Marcus Garvey was a self-starter who achieved unparalleled success despite the obstacles of his time. Born in Jamaica in 1887, the youngest of eleven children and the son of a mason and a domestic worker, Garvey yearned for greatness at a young age.