The influential civil rights leader known for promoting Pan-Africanism was W.E.B. Du Bois. A prominent sociologist, historian, and activist, Du Bois was one of the co-founders of the NAACP and played a crucial role in the fight for civil rights in the United States. He advocated for the unity of African people globally and emphasized the importance of education and political engagement for the advancement of African Americans. Du Bois's writings, including "The Souls of Black Folk," explored racism and social injustice, making him a significant figure in both the civil rights movement and the broader Pan-African movement.