20th century
Manchester, Britain
The Fifth Pan-African Congress was held in Manchester in 1945 and represented the organisational culmination of radical Pan-African activism that had developed among activists based in Britain. George Padmore and Ras Makonnen were especially effective in sustaining this network during wartime, while their circles reached students and other Black communities through organisations such as WASU.
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The Story
The radical Pan-Africanists who emerged from the mid-1930s were geographically concentrated in Britain despite their diverse origins. They regarded Britain as a centre of gravity for African affairs, used its freedoms for political purposes, and maintained contact even after wartime disruption and dispersal. Ras Makonnen’s restaurants in Manchester became an important local centre of the movement during the Blitz.
Their influence extended beyond a small discussion circle. Through informal contacts with the West African Students Union, whose London hostel welcomed West African students, visitors, West Indians, Black Americans and white sympathisers, the radicals reached wider Black communities. Their networks also connected with more moderate organisations, although political disagreements intensified after the outbreak of war.
Despite wartime dislocation, George Padmore and Ras Makonnen remained organisationally effective. In 1944 they created the Pan-African Federation as an umbrella for smaller organisations. More than any other group, the radical activists were responsible for the Fifth Pan-African Congress, which took place in Manchester in 1945.
20th century
Manchester, Britain
The Fifth Pan-African Congress was held in Manchester in 1945 and represented the organisational culmination of radical Pan-African activism that had developed among activists based in Britain. George Padmore and Ras Makonnen were especially effective in sustaining this network during wartime, while their circles reached students and other Black communities through organisations such as WASU.
Continue exploring
The Story
The radical Pan-Africanists who emerged from the mid-1930s were geographically concentrated in Britain despite their diverse origins. They regarded Britain as a centre of gravity for African affairs, used its freedoms for political purposes, and maintained contact even after wartime disruption and dispersal. Ras Makonnen’s restaurants in Manchester became an important local centre of the movement during the Blitz.
Their influence extended beyond a small discussion circle. Through informal contacts with the West African Students Union, whose London hostel welcomed West African students, visitors, West Indians, Black Americans and white sympathisers, the radicals reached wider Black communities. Their networks also connected with more moderate organisations, although political disagreements intensified after the outbreak of war.
Despite wartime dislocation, George Padmore and Ras Makonnen remained organisationally effective. In 1944 they created the Pan-African Federation as an umbrella for smaller organisations. More than any other group, the radical activists were responsible for the Fifth Pan-African Congress, which took place in Manchester in 1945.