Panafrican

Pan-Africanism, or the Pan-African movement, is a political and cultural ideology that emphasizes the solidarity of Africans and people of African descent worldwide. It seeks political unity, social and economic justice, and self-determination, aiming to counter colonial legacies and racism that have affected African peoples and diasporas.

Origins trace to late 19th and early 20th centuries, with African diaspora intellectuals and activists advocating for racial justice and political rights. The first Pan-African Conference was held in London in 1900, organized by Henry Sylvester Williams, with W. E. B. Du Bois among its notable participants. Subsequent congresses occurred in Paris (1919), Manchester (1945), and Accra (1958), bringing together activists, scholars, and future leaders. The Pan-African movement influenced anti-colonial struggles and the emergence of independence movements across Africa and the diaspora, contributing to the later creation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, now the African Union.

Symbolically, the Pan-African flag, created by Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association, features red, black, and green and remains a common emblem at diaspora events and solidarity gatherings. The movement also shapes cultural production in music, literature, and arts, promoting a shared heritage and collaborative action.

In contemporary discourse, Pan-Africanism is discussed as a framework for addressing global racial inequality, development, and representation in international institutions. Critics note that it can risk overemphasizing unity at the expense of national or regional differences, while supporters view it as a link for collective advancement across borders.