On August 1, 1920, the National Convention of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) was held in New York City. This event marked a significant moment in the history of the organization and in the broader Pan-African movement. The UNIA was founded by Marcus Garvey in 1914 with the aim of promoting unity and self-reliance among people of African descent worldwide. The 1920 convention was a pivotal gathering, where Garvey delivered his famous “Back to Africa” speech, which called for the return of African people to their ancestral homeland and the establishment of an independent African nation.

This convention also saw the formal adoption of the UNIA’s flag, designed by Garvey, which is now widely recognized as a symbol of Black pride and empowerment. The UNIA also held elections for leadership positions, and Garvey solidified his influence as one of the most prominent Black leaders of the time.

The convention, often considered one of the high points of the Garvey movement, emphasized racial pride, economic independence, and the empowerment of African people globally. Despite facing opposition and eventual downfall due to legal troubles and accusations of fraud, Garvey’s influence on Black nationalism, Pan-Africanism, and the civil rights movement remains profound.