The 80th anniversary of the Pan-African Congress is being celebrated in Manchester, a pivotal event that brought together Black people from across the globe to fight for liberation. Journalist Chris Osuh explores this milestone and delves into its enduring significance.
Chris's conversation with playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni sheds light on how delegates at the 1945 congress laid the groundwork for the African independence movements that followed. The parallels between then and now are striking, particularly when it comes to the struggles faced by Black people both on the continent and in the diaspora.
In another conversation with programme manager Keisha Thompson of the Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement programme, Chris delves into the power of identity and how Pan-Africanism can serve as a framework for self-discovery. They also discuss the importance of navigating the diverse visions of Pan-Africanism that exist today.
Professor Steven Golding provides valuable insights on recent developments towards political and economic pan-Africanism, citing the charismatic leader Ibrahim Traoré, who has been making waves on social media in Burkina Faso.
The episode culminates with Chris attending a dance show at Manchester's Royal Exchange theatre, where attendees share their perspectives on what Pan-Africanism means to them today. As part of The Cotton Capital project, which explores the Guardian's history and its connections to transatlantic slavery, this bonus episode offers a nuanced exploration of Pan-Africanism in 2025.
From Manchester to Jamaica, the US, Nigeria, and Brazil, the journey takes listeners on a global tour of the complex issues surrounding Pan-Africanism. To access the series, simply search for The Cotton Capital where you subscribe to your podcasts.
Chris's conversation with playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni sheds light on how delegates at the 1945 congress laid the groundwork for the African independence movements that followed. The parallels between then and now are striking, particularly when it comes to the struggles faced by Black people both on the continent and in the diaspora.
In another conversation with programme manager Keisha Thompson of the Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement programme, Chris delves into the power of identity and how Pan-Africanism can serve as a framework for self-discovery. They also discuss the importance of navigating the diverse visions of Pan-Africanism that exist today.
Professor Steven Golding provides valuable insights on recent developments towards political and economic pan-Africanism, citing the charismatic leader Ibrahim Traoré, who has been making waves on social media in Burkina Faso.
The episode culminates with Chris attending a dance show at Manchester's Royal Exchange theatre, where attendees share their perspectives on what Pan-Africanism means to them today. As part of The Cotton Capital project, which explores the Guardian's history and its connections to transatlantic slavery, this bonus episode offers a nuanced exploration of Pan-Africanism in 2025.
From Manchester to Jamaica, the US, Nigeria, and Brazil, the journey takes listeners on a global tour of the complex issues surrounding Pan-Africanism. To access the series, simply search for The Cotton Capital where you subscribe to your podcasts.
gotta say i'm really intrigued by this whole pan-african thing. i mean, 80 years ago these ppl were fightin for their freedom and now it's like a global movement 
. but what gets me is how it all ties in with the struggles we face today too. idk about some ppl sayin identity is key but i think its way more than that. its about recognizing our shared humanity 
, despite all the differences we got. and them charasmatic leaders like ibrahim traore? he's a breath of fresh air 
. anyway gotta give it up for the cotton capital project 
and I gotta say, it's really well done! But what I think is missing a bit is some visual flair 
. I mean, I know it's a podcast, but still... some consistent layout would take this to the next level 
. And can we talk about the iconography for a sec? That little image of the Pan-African flag is cool and all, but where's the style? Where's the pizzazz? 
I just listened to this podcast about the 80th anniversary of the Pan-African Congress and I gotta say, it made me think a lot about our global community today 
. It made me realize that our ancestors' fight for freedom and self-discovery is still relevant today 
. Anyways, just thought I'd chime in after everyone's already finished their thoughts 
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. It's all well and good talking about identity and politics, but how are we going to achieve real change if we're not discussing the economic systems that perpetuate inequality? Still, overall, this podcast is a great start, and I'm excited to see where it goes from here 
!
Leadership is about more than just having a good Instagram game. It's about doing the work and actually making a difference in people's lives. So, let's not get too caught up in the hype and remember what's really important.
Just don't come crying to me when you realize how much more complex the issue is than you thought. 
I mean its been 80 years since they had that big gathering in manchester and it really changed things for black ppl around the world.. i feel like its crazy how similar the struggles are even today... people still fighting for equality and freedom everywhere. and its dope that they got ppl from all over sharing their perspectives on pan-africanism now 
I'm all for celebrating this milestone anniversary, no doubt about it! 80 years is a long time, and it's crazy to think about how far Black people have come (and still are coming) in their fight for liberation. But at the same time, I gotta say, some of these parallels between then and now feel a bit forced, you know? Like, we can't just ignore the progress that's been made, but we also can't pretend like everything is all sunshine and rainbows. 
. And what's really interesting to me is how identity fits into all this – I mean, we're talkin' about Pan-Africanism as a framework for self-discovery, but isn't that kinda like searchin' for yourself within these broader social and cultural constructs? It's like, we're tryin' to find our own truth while bein' shaped by the world around us 
It's crazy to think about how far Black people have come since '45, but at the same time, it feels like so much work is still being done. Like, we've got these amazing young leaders popping up everywhere - Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso? That dude's a total game-changer 
Don't get me wrong, Pan-Africanism is important but we need to consider the intersections with other identities too. I mean, have you seen the responses on social media from some African nations saying they don't want no part of Pan-Africanism? It's like, what even is that about 
! I was born in 1995 so I didn't experience the Pan-African Congress firsthand, but it's amazing to see how that event back in 1945 still resonates with people today 
. The parallels between then and now are indeed striking - from the struggles of Black people on the continent to the experiences of those in the diaspora like me 
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like we stil struggling wit racism & inequality today so yeah, i'm all 4 dis podcast & cant w8 2 c what dey come up w/ nxt 
. From a historical context to more contemporary explorations of Pan-Africanism, it's clear that we're still grappling with fundamental questions about our shared humanity 
. As someone who values nuanced storytelling and global connections, I'm excited to dive deeper into The Cotton Capital project – it feels like the perfect blend of history, culture, and social commentary 
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. I love that there's a platform like this exploring these complex issues and giving people the chance to share their perspectives 
. Can't wait to hear more from Chris Osuh and others on this series!