The First Rasta

Wednesday 18th October

Presented by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage in partnership with Phoenix

 

At the beginning of the last century, the young Leonard Percival Howell (1893 – 1981) left Jamaica, became a sailor and travelled the world.  On his way, he chanced upon Bolshevism to New Thought, Gandhi to Anarchism, Garveyism to psychoanalysis, as he sought to find his promised land.  With this cocktail of ideas Leonard Howell returned to Jamaica and founded Pinnacle, the first Rasta community, heralded by the coronation of Haile Selassie.

Director: Hélenè Lee
Year: 2010
Runtime: 85 Minutes
Language: English
Country: Jamaica and France
Genre: Documentary

Going far beyond the stereotypes, this cultural history offers an uncensored vision of a movement with complex roots and the exceptional journey of a man who sought Black liberation and unity.

More Leicester Listings MORE

Leicester Friday 7th November 2025

Typically Tina

Tina Turner is one of the most enduring and iconic music legends of all time. With a career…

Leicester Tuesday 11 November

Black Heritage Voices 2025

Black Heritage Voices is a sector-focused conference bringing together professionals from across the heritage landscape who are working…

Leicester Friday 14 November

Emmanuel Sonubi: Life After Near Death

Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee and Best Show nominee, Emmanuel Sonubi is back on tour after sold-out performances at the…