By the early 1920s, some African Americans on the lower social and economic levels felt that organizations such as the NAACP were only for those African Americans on the upper levels.
There also was increased competition for jobs and housing after World War I. As a result, riots and other violent events were occurring all over the country.
This atmosphere was an ideal climate for Garvey, who loudly stated that black meant strength and beauty, not inferiority.
