The concept of Pan-Africanism has evolved significantly over the years, yet its core idea remains unchanged: all Black people are united in a shared struggle for liberation. To understand this modern-day phenomenon, Chris Osuh embarked on a journey to explore what it means for individuals and communities around the world.
His conversation with playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni shed light on how the 1945 Pan-African Congress delegates played a pivotal role in shaping Africa's independence movements. The parallels between that era and today's struggles are striking, with many activists pointing to the need for collective action and solidarity.
Keisha Thompson, a programme manager at The Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement programme, shared her personal experiences growing up under the Pan-African shadow of the congress. She emphasized the importance of identity and how Pan-Africanism can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
However, not everyone views Pan-Africanism in the same way. Steven Golding, a professor of Garveyism, discussed recent movements towards political and economic pan-Africanism, highlighting the rise of charismatic leaders like Ibrahim Traoré, the leader of Burkina Faso. While some see this as a step forward, others are skeptical about the notion that Pan-Africanism should be judged solely through a European lens.
To better understand what Pan-Africanism means to modern-day individuals, Chris attended a Manchester dance show organized by See My World. Local attendees shared their personal perspectives on the significance of Pan-Africanism in contemporary society, highlighting its relevance to issues like racism, colonialism, and social justice.
Throughout this journey, it became clear that Pan-Africanism is not a fixed concept, but rather a dynamic and evolving ideology that continues to shape the lives of Black people around the world. As Chris Osuh's podcast demonstrated, understanding this complex phenomenon requires listening to diverse voices and perspectives, and embracing the complexities of identity, community, and collective action.
His conversation with playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni shed light on how the 1945 Pan-African Congress delegates played a pivotal role in shaping Africa's independence movements. The parallels between that era and today's struggles are striking, with many activists pointing to the need for collective action and solidarity.
Keisha Thompson, a programme manager at The Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement programme, shared her personal experiences growing up under the Pan-African shadow of the congress. She emphasized the importance of identity and how Pan-Africanism can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
However, not everyone views Pan-Africanism in the same way. Steven Golding, a professor of Garveyism, discussed recent movements towards political and economic pan-Africanism, highlighting the rise of charismatic leaders like Ibrahim Traoré, the leader of Burkina Faso. While some see this as a step forward, others are skeptical about the notion that Pan-Africanism should be judged solely through a European lens.
To better understand what Pan-Africanism means to modern-day individuals, Chris attended a Manchester dance show organized by See My World. Local attendees shared their personal perspectives on the significance of Pan-Africanism in contemporary society, highlighting its relevance to issues like racism, colonialism, and social justice.
Throughout this journey, it became clear that Pan-Africanism is not a fixed concept, but rather a dynamic and evolving ideology that continues to shape the lives of Black people around the world. As Chris Osuh's podcast demonstrated, understanding this complex phenomenon requires listening to diverse voices and perspectives, and embracing the complexities of identity, community, and collective action.
I mean, we're living in a world where Black people are still fighting for equality and justice, just like our ancestors did back in the 1940s. It's crazy how some things never change, but at the same time, it's awesome to see how this movement is evolving to suit modern times.
I mean, we can't all just assume we know what Pan-Africanism means without hearing from the ones who are living it. It's like, we're not gonna learn from our mistakes if we don't acknowledge them in the first place.
- let's keep talking! 
it was like the happiest animal ever! i don't know what's so funny but it had this little smile on its face and it was looking directly at the camera 
anyway, back to pan-africanism... have you guys tried that new plant-based milk brand? almond milk is so overrated in my opinion 
. I think we're just starting to scratch the surface of what it can do for communities around the globe. It's not just about Black people coming together, it's also about understanding how our struggles are all connected. Like, racism and colonialism aren't just African issues, they're global problems that need a united front against 
. I love that Chris Osuh is out there having conversations with people from different walks of life to get a better grasp on what Pan-Africanism means today. It's not about some fixed idea, it's about understanding each other's experiences and coming together as a community 
. And hey, if charismatic leaders like Ibrahim Traoré are inspiring change, that's gotta be a good thing! 
- it got me thinking about how our global connections are changing... apparently, those 1945 congress delegates were way ahead of their time 
and it's crazy to see the parallels between back then & now 
. some ppl think pan-af is just a fancy word for "solidarity" 
but others are worried about charismatic leaders co-opting the movement for their own agendas 
. anyway, gotta respect the diversity of perspectives on this - might just inspire me to connect with more people from different backgrounds 
and I gotta say, it really got me thinking about how things have changed but also kinda stayed the same 
. Like, these Black people in Africa and all over the world are still fighting for the same stuff - equality, freedom, you know? 
. But at the same time, it makes me wonder if we're just projecting our own ideas onto them or something 
. And what about all the different branches of Pan-Africanism? I mean, some people think it's all about unity and solidarity, while others are more skeptical 
. It's like, there's gotta be a way to balance both perspectives and just get on with it 
And don't even get me started on the whole 'Europeans' lens' thing - isn't that just a fancy way of saying 'Western perspective'? Can someone explain to me why Pan-Africanism can't be critiqued through those same lenses? 
I think its really cool how Pan-Africanism is evolving but still keeping its core message strong 
. My kid was talking about it in school and she said that Black people are connected no matter where they come from 
.
. And yeah, not everyone sees it the same way, like with these different perspectives on charismatic leaders 
. The way it jumps between different conversations with various people is so smooth. It's like a masterclass in storytelling 
Do we need to have this conversation in person, or is there a way to put it into words without losing the essence of what Pan-Africanism means? 
