Organizations:UNIA
UNIA
Marcus Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914, with the mission of promoting unity, self-reliance, and economic empowerment among people of African descent worldwide. The organization aimed to uplift Black people, challenge racism and colonialism, and encourage pride in African heritage.
| Image | 
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|---|---|
| Caption | UNIA Flag |
| Formation | July 15, 1914 |
| Founded | Jamaica |
| Founder(s) | Marcus Garvey & Amy Ashwood Garvey |
Key goals of the UNIA included:
- African Independence
Garvey advocated for the return of the African diaspora to Africa and the liberation of Africa from colonial rule.
- Economic Empowerment
The UNIA supported Black-owned businesses and institutions, believing that economic independence was key to racial progress.
- Cultural Pride and Education
Garvey promoted pride in African identity and culture, encouraging Black people to celebrate their heritage and achievements.
- Pan-Africanism
The UNIA emphasized solidarity among all people of African descent, regardless of where they lived, promoting the idea of a united global African community.
The UNIA was most well-known for its "Back to Africa" movement, which advocated for people of African descent to return to Africa and rebuild it as an independent homeland. Garvey's organization also launched various enterprises, such as the Black Star Line, a shipping company meant to facilitate trade and transport for African diaspora communities.
At its peak, the UNIA had millions of members across the world, making it one of the largest movements for Black empowerment in history. Though it eventually declined, Garvey's ideas influenced later leaders and movements, including Pan-Africanism, Black nationalism, and the civil rights movement.