AbstractThis paper discusses the meaning and far-reaching nature of Black Nationalism. The focus is on some key figures who played a role in influencing the growth and development of the foundations of black nationalism. These figures include Marcus Garvey, Elijah Muhammad, and Malcolm X. Additionally, the complexity and variety of views on black nationalism as a whole are discussed. The focus is on the difference between extreme black nationalism and more passive manifestations. Finally, the impact of these events and ideas is considered along with how they influenced American culture and the Black community. Key Ideology and Figures within American Black Nationalism IntroductionBlack nationalism is a complex movement, often recognized as the leading movement in the early 20th century. His founding of the UNIA was pivotal in the ever-growing black nationalist movement. Garveyism was the name applied to his ideology. Garvey argued that whites should essentially be moved from America to Africa and that this should be a place where only blacks could rule. Garvey had many other ideas about how the African-American population should respond to white supremacy. The ideals of the UNIA and Garvey spread like wildfire in northern urban centers with large populations of African Americans. Rural areas of the South densely populated with African Americans also adopted Garveyism (Rollinson, Understanding the idea's influential leaders and various distinctions can help you recognize the vast effects it has had on nearly every aspect of black life. The influences range from politics to everyday social life.The ever-evolving development of the movement and the many groups that have been built on this idea have allowed blacks to go a long way in achieving their rights. Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey would most likely be amazed to see Barack Obama leading the United States. Unfortunately, recent events such as the Ferguson incident indicate that black nationalism may still be alive and well despite not being as widespread as it was in the 1960s. In summary, black nationalism is a dynamic ideology built on ideas of many individuals fighting for the ultimate goal of a better life for African Americans.