Pan-African Congress History Revealed

The Pan-African congresses, though no longer held in their original form, spurred an international movement advocating for self-determination and self-governance for African people and those in the diaspora. Despite having limited political and financial power, these congresses fostered crucial international discussions about racism and colonialism. Several African leaders, including Patrice Lumumba, Kwame Nkrumah, and Nnamdi Azikiwe, were influenced by the Pan-African movement, ultimately laying the groundwork for the Organization of African Unity. The anti-colonial and anti-racist struggle continues, but the history of the Pan-African congresses highlights the importance of international collaboration in global efforts.

The History of the Pan-African Congress

One of the earliest organizations promoting Pan-African unity was the African Association, founded in London in 1897 by Trinidadian barrister Henry Sylvester-Williams. Within a couple of years, the association successfully brought together Africans in the diaspora interested in liberating Africa from colonial rule. Sylvester-Williams aimed to provide a forum for Africans and the diaspora to address their common problems, leading to the Pan-African Conference of 1900, organized by him from July 23-25. The conference had five stated aims, including securing “true civil and political rights” for Africans globally.

W.E.B. Du Bois, along with Henry Francis Downing, Anna J. Cooper, John Alcindor, and at least 30 other delegates representing African diaspora countries, attended the conference. It was one of the first international meetings to address the effects of colonialism and the legacy of slavery. The Pan-African Association was also established during the conference, chaired by Bishop A. Walters and Du Bois. Together, they drafted “To the Nations of the World,” a demand for freedom for Black people and colonized African countries, which served as the conference’s closing remarks.

The First Congress Meets

As European and American politicians discussed the future of Africa at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, Du Bois organized the 1st Pan-African Congress in Paris. The main purpose was to protest the Paris Peace Conference, which included only one Black representative, Lecba Elizier Cadet, and to demonstrate the existence of Black leaders and discuss the Black community’s role in the war. Decolonization was also a central theme.

The first Pan-African Congress convened at the Grand Hôtel in Paris, with 57 delegates representing various countries of the African diaspora, primarily from the West Indies and England. The congress resulted in the drafting of “To the Nations of the World,” demanding freedom for Black people and colonized African countries.

The Second Congress in Several Sessions

The 2nd Pan-African Congress took place in August and September 1921 across London, Brussels, and Paris. The congress dates are sometimes inconsistent, reflecting the improvisational nature of the conferences due to budget constraints and short-notice changes. Du Bois sought out “educated Black leaders” to gain official recognition from governments. The 2nd Pan-African Congress, with 113 delegates from 26 countries, reiterated the need for “local self-governance for colonial subjects” and condemned imperialism and racism.

However, a heated debate between French and American delegates regarding colonialism, stemming from the French delegate’s reluctance to criticize colonialism, led French participants to withdraw from the 3rd Pan-African Congress. French participants attending represented themselves, rather than an official delegation.

Reiterating Calls for Self-Rule

The 3rd Pan-African Congress met in London, England and Lisbon, Portugal in November 1923, with H.G. Wells among the white European attendees. The congress was comparatively less organized and well-attended, partly due to the NAACP’s involvement and subsequent determination that the NAACP was primarily focused on American race issues.

The National Association of Colored Women sent representatives to this congress. Despite the significant roles played by women like Ida Gibbs Hunt, they were often excluded from historical accounts of the movement. The 3rd Pan-African Congress again called for self-governance and addressed the question of whether Black people should be considered equals to other human beings. However, disagreements over whether reforms should occur within colonialism led some, like Gratien Candace and Blaise Diagne, to break away.

Inhibited by Travel Restrictions

The 4th Pan-African Congress in New York City in August 1927 faced challenges due to travel restrictions imposed by British and French colonial powers to hinder further Pan-African gatherings. Only 10 countries were represented besides the United States, with delegates primarily from Nigeria, Liberia, the Gold Coast, and Sierra Leone. The congress was largely composed of Black American women, organized by Addie W. Hunton and 21 other Black women.

As trust in the League of Nations waned, the 4th Pan-African Congress removed all references to the League from its resolutions.

The Last Pan-African Congress

After a suspension of nearly 20 years due to the Great Depression and World War II, the Pan-African Congress was revived in October 1945 in Manchester, England. The 5th Pan-African Congress was notable for representing more Africans and members of the working class, contrasting with the previous congresses that primarily included Black British and American intellectuals.

The congress featured key figures in decolonization, including Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta, and had strong representation from trade unions. Du Bois had hoped to hold the next congress in Ghana after its independence, but U.S. government actions prevented him from traveling. Consequently, the All African Peoples Conference was organized in Accra, Ghana, by Nkrumah and George Padmore.