The Michael Manley Centre
- stimulating learning and reflections

The Michael Manley Centre at the Foundation's headquarters, 1A Hope Boulevard, Kingston 6, was officially opened on December 10, 2004, the 80th anniversary of Mr Manley's birth, by then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.

The Centre is a depository and showcase of Mr Manley's documents and memorabilia. It includes books by and about Michael Manley as well as volumes from Mr Manley's private collection; scores of articles that he wrote for various academic and popular publications; speeches; statements; messages and correspondence.

Among the artefacts are the "rod of correction"; the emblems of the Order of Supreme Companion of O.R. Tambo, conferred by the South African Government in 2004 for Mr Manley's contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle; the emblems of the late former Prime Minister’s induction into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Junior National Historic Site in Atlanta, USA, for Mr Manley’s “sterling contribution to the international civil rights movements through his passionate concerns and tireless work for equality and social and human rights”; Mr Manley’s size 12 shoes that made the imprint in the Walk of Fame; letters from United States Presidents Jimmy Carter and George Bush Senior; and such personal items as Mr Manley's birth certificate, passports, eyeglasses, diaries and address book. Several albums of photographs are included, as well as scores of videotapes and audiotapes.

The Centre is the primary source of information on the life and work of Michael Manley. It facilitates research by scholars in Jamaica and overseas and provides materials and services for the various projects and events of the Michael Manley Foundation

It has developed a compact mobile graphic exhibition on the theme “Ten Aspects of Michael Manley”, the specific topics of which are Early Life, Ideas & Causes, Writer, Trade Unionist, Political Leader, People’s Champion, World Statesman, Connoisseur of Sports, Lover of the Arts, and Intellectual.

The Michael Manley Centre is sustained mainly by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports & Education (CHASE) Fund.

 

The Official Opening

 

The Prime Minister, the Most Hon. P.J.
Patterson, (C) being escorted to the opening of the Michael Manley Center by the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr. Danny Roberts (left), and Deputy Chairman Senator Dwight Nelson.

   

The Prime Minister, the Most Hon. P.J.
Patterson cutting the Ribbon to open the Michael Manley Center with Mr. Manley's grand-daughter Mia Manley.  Looking on are the Most Hon. Mrs Michael Manley and the Chairman of the Michael Manley Foundation, Mr Danny Roberts.

   

Students viewing exhibits in the MichaelManley Center.

 


  The Michael Manley
    Centre