When Did Pan-Africanism Start? | Origins & Evolution of African Unity

When Did Pan-Africanism Start? Origins & Evolution of African Unity

Pan-Africanism is a global movement that advocates for the solidarity, unity, and empowerment of African people, both on the continent and in the diaspora. But when did it begin?

🌍 Origins of Pan-Africanism

The roots of Pan-Africanism can be traced back to the late 19th century, with early activism among descendants of enslaved Africans in the Americas and Europe.

📅 1900 – The First Pan-African Conference

The modern Pan-African movement officially began in 1900, when Henry Sylvester Williams, a lawyer from Trinidad, organized the First Pan-African Conference in London. It brought together people of African descent to discuss issues of racism, colonialism, and African empowerment.

📚 Intellectual Leadership

In the early 20th century, figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, an African American scholar and activist, became central to the movement. Du Bois helped organize multiple Pan-African Congresses, promoting African self-determination and unity.

🗳️ 1945 – A Turning Point

The Fifth Pan-African Congress, held in Manchester, UK in 1945, marked a major shift. Attended by future African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) and Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), the congress called for the end of colonial rule and full independence for African nations.

✊ Political Momentum and Decolonization

Following World War II, Pan-Africanism inspired liberation movements across Africa. As countries gained independence, the idea of African unity grew stronger.

🌐 African Union and Legacy

In 1963, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established as a political expression of Pan-African ideals. In 2002, it evolved into the African Union (AU), which continues to promote integration and development across Africa.

🔑 Summary of Key Moments

1900 – First Pan-African Conference in London
1919–1945 – Pan-African Congresses led by W.E.B. Du Bois
1945 – Fifth Pan-African Congress with Nkrumah and Kenyatta
1963 – Creation of the Organization of African Unity
2002 – Transition to the African Union (AU)

🖼️ Visual Symbol

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Pan-Africanism remains a powerful vision for African unity, progress, and global solidarity.

When Did Pan-Africanism Start?