George Wilson Becton

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George Wilson Becton
Born
Died1933 (1934)
Nationality American
Occupationpreacher

George Wilson Becton was an American preacher who was considered the "first of the colorful cult leaders in Harlem." [1] He began charismatic preaching in about 1930, after the decline of Marcus Garvey, and continued until he was mysteriously murdered in 1933.

Becton was born in Clarksville, Texas. [2] Becton's sermons were formal and presented in a dignified setting, with orchestral music and liveried pages. He was kidnapped and shot to death on May 25, 1933. He died without describing his attackers or explaining why anybody might have wanted him killed. [3]

Claude McKay wrote about Becton in his book Harlem, Negro Metropolis.

See also

References

  1. "Four Men of Harlem -- The Movers and the Shakers," in Harlem, U.S.A., John Henrik Clarke, 1971 edition, p.251
  2. "George Wilson Becton The "Dancing Evangelist" Of Harlem 1925-1933". Harlem World. February 29, 2016.
  3. "Four Men of Harlem -- The Movers and the Shakers," in Harlem, U.S.A., John Henrik Clarke, 1971 edition, p.253