PanAfricanism

Pan-Africanism is a political and social movement that advocates the unity and solidarity of African peoples, on the continent and in the diaspora, in pursuit of political self-determination, economic development, and cultural affirmation.

Roots trace to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first Pan-African Conference was organized in London in 1900 by Henry Sylvester Williams. W. E. B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey later shaped its ideas, linking civil rights to anti-colonial struggle. The movement gained traction during decolonization, with Kwame Nkrumah and George Padmore among its leading advocates. The era helped foster continental cooperation and laid the groundwork for the Organization of African Unity, later replaced by the African Union.

Core themes include cross-border solidarity, self-determination, economic cooperation, anti-neocolonialism, and cultural affirmation. Pan-Africanists argued for independent states with a common approach to development and governance, and for addressing global racial hierarchies that affected Africans and people of African descent.

Legacy and contemporary relevance: The African Union embodies Pan-African aims, while initiatives such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and regional blocs advance integration. Diaspora networks, Africa Day celebrations, and academic discourse keep the movement active in culture and policy.

Critiques: The movement is diverse with varying interpretations; tensions exist between continental unity and national or local identities, and some critique that its practical impact has been uneven. Proponents emphasize its enduring influence on anti-colonialism, civil rights, and regional cooperation.