The Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) was founded by Marcus Garvey in 1914. It was one of the most influential Black nationalist organizations of the early 20th century. The UNIA aimed to promote racial pride, economic self-sufficiency, and the unity of people of African descent worldwide.

Under Garvey's leadership, the UNIA grew rapidly, establishing branches in cities across the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa. The organization's motto, "One God, One Aim, One Destiny," encapsulated its vision of a unified global Black community working towards empowerment and liberation.

The UNIA also launched several economic ventures, including the Black Star Line, a shipping company intended to facilitate trade and transportation among Black nations. While the Black Star Line faced financial challenges and ultimately failed, it symbolized the UNIA's commitment to economic independence.

Despite its impact and reach, the UNIA faced internal divisions and external pressures, including government surveillance and sabotage. Garvey himself was eventually deported from the United States in 1927. The UNIA continued to exist after Garvey's departure but experienced a decline in influence over the following decades.

Nevertheless, the UNIA left a lasting legacy in Black history as a pioneering organization that promoted Black pride, self-reliance, and global solidarity among people of African descent. Its emphasis on unity and empowerment continues to inspire Black activists and communities to this day.