His best asset was his appeal to the masses and his ideas had mush popular support, he help to establish the UNAI in Jamaica, plus a branch in Harlem (1916). He claimed that thousands enrolled in the UNAI, boasting over 1100 branches in 40 plus countries, awakening the NAACP to the importance of the working class. In his newspaper the "Negro World" he publicised his "eight point program". His ideas were large and reflected his personality, he thought on a world level to raise black pride e.g. through banning the advertising of skin lightening and hair straightening products available. These tactics resulted in federal governments unwillingness to co-operate with him as they had previously with Washington. He was an ambitious man and looked to create black wealth with the "Black Star Line", and "African Communities League" as well as the "Negro Factories corporation", offering a chance of a better position in society. Garvey was a charismatic visionary, he was often criticised for being too radical, i.e. that he met with KKK members in order to gain support for his plan of a black African nation. This enraged other black civil rights leaders especially Du Bois, alienating him. Garvey disagreed with the other civil rights leaders by advocating . .
racial segregation and claiming assimilation into white American culture would dilute their identity. Garvey was criticised 1n 1920 for encouraging further investment in his failing Black Star Line and his subsequent imprisonment damaged his reputation. .
Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, appealing particularly to the black underclass and youth. He articulated the frustrations of black northern community and was feared by his opponents because he spoke candidly. He advocated self-help, pride and that knowledge is power, encouraging higher education as a foothold towards control over local politics. Historian James Cone claims his greatest achievement was to make clear the depth of anti-black feeling in many parts of the USA, and not just in the deep south.