The influential African leader fighting against colonial rule in the early 20th century was Marcus Garvey. He advocated for African nationalism, promoting the idea of a return to Africa and self-determination for people of African descent. His creation of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) sought to unify and uplift Black communities worldwide. Garvey's vision inspired future civil rights movements by emphasizing racial pride and empowerment, laying important groundwork for calls for independence across the African continent.