The prominent figure who led the Haitian Revolution against colonial rule was Jean-Jacques Dessalines. He played a crucial role in the fight for independence from French colonialism, becoming the first ruler of independent Haiti in 1804. Dessalines' leadership was marked by his determination to liberate enslaved people and establish a strong national identity. His efforts were pivotal in the creation of the first black republic and set a precedent for other colonized nations seeking sovereignty.