Pan-Africanism: The Pan-African Conferences, 1900-1945
Explore the rise of Pan-Africanism, from early international gatherings to bold visions of Black and African unity, anti-colonial struggle, and global solidarity between 1900 and 1945.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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Step into the world of the Pan-African Conferences and Congresses from 1900 to 1945, where some of the most powerful political ideas of the modern era were debated, refined, and set into motion. This course traces the development of Pan-Africanism from the nineteenth century into the first half of the twentieth century, focusing on a series of international gatherings that brought together activists and intellectuals from across the African world. You will examine how figures such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Kwame Nkrumah worked alongside others from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States to articulate shared visions of unity, challenge colonial rule, and advance demands for political rights and self-determination. The course explores the key debates, tensions, and ambitions that shaped the movement, as well as its connections to wider anti-colonial struggles and its lasting global significance.
What will we cover?
1. Nineteenth-Century Foundations and the 1900 Pan-African Conference
2. W. E. B. Du Bois and the Pan-African Congresses, 1919-1923
3. The 1927 Pan-African Congress and Interwar Consolidation
4. Kwame Nkrumah and the 1945 Manchester Pan-African Congress
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain the aims, structure, and historical development of the Pan-African Conferences and Congresses between 1900 and 1945
Analyse how these gatherings functioned as spaces for political organisation, debate, and collaboration
Compare different ideological positions and strategies advanced by activists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States
Evaluate the contributions of key figures, including W. E. B. Du Bois and Kwame Nkrumah· Assess the relationship between Pan-Africanism and wider anti-colonial movements in the twentieth century
Analyse the significance of the Pan-African Congress tradition for later independence movements and global Black political thought
Develop skills in interpreting historical evidence, engaging with historiography, and constructing clear, critical arguments
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with a curiosity about the topic.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The session will include short lectures to introduce the topic and provide essential historical context, alongside dedicated discussion and group-based learning, with a particular emphasis on collaborative source analysis. Working together, you will explore primary and secondary materials to deepen your understanding of the topic.
These sources may include maps, photographs of artefacts, drawings, diary entries, and extracts from historical writing. Through structured discussion and group work, you will develop your ability to interpret evidence, ask critical questions, and engage with different perspectives.
There is no formal homework required, although you may wish to undertake further reading or reflection between sessions to consolidate your learning.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Apeike Umolu is a historian of Black and African history, with a research focus on the 19th century. In addition to teaching at City Lit, she lectures at leading universities in the UK and Nigeria, teaching modules that cover modern African history, Black Atlantic history, the history of the Americas, and the history of the global south.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/pan-africanism-the-pan-african-conferences-1900-19453060715Pan-Africanism: The Pan-African Conferences, 1900-1945https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/a/pan-africanism.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/African history/Courses/vm/Black history month22851177117819761347812285117711781653<p>Explore the rise of Pan-Africanism, from early international gatherings to bold visions of Black and African unity, anti-colonial struggle, and global solidarity between 1900 and 1945.</p>003060706Pan-Africanism: The Pan-African Conferences, 1900-19457979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/a/pan-africanism_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH2317979Pan-Africanism: The Pan-African Conferences, 1900-1945635179Apeike Umolupan-africanism-the-pan-african-conferences-1900-1945/hwh231-2627<p>Explore the rise of Pan-Africanism, from early international gatherings to bold visions of Black and African unity, anti-colonial struggle, and global solidarity between 1900 and 1945.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-23 00:00:00<p>Step into the world of the Pan-African Conferences and Congresses from 1900 to 1945, where some of the most powerful political ideas of the modern era were debated, refined, and set into motion. This course traces the development of Pan-Africanism from the nineteenth century into the first half of the twentieth century, focusing on a series of international gatherings that brought together activists and intellectuals from across the African world. You will examine how figures such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Kwame Nkrumah worked alongside others from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States to articulate shared visions of unity, challenge colonial rule, and advance demands for political rights and self-determination. The course explores the key debates, tensions, and ambitions that shaped the movement, as well as its connections to wider anti-colonial struggles and its lasting global significance.</p><p> </p><p>Explore the rise of Pan-Africanism, from early international gatherings to bold visions of Black and African unity, anti-colonial struggle, and global solidarity between 1900 and 1945.</p><p>1. Nineteenth-Century Foundations and the 1900 Pan-African Conference</p><p>2. W. E. B. Du Bois and the Pan-African Congresses, 1919-1923</p><p>3. The 1927 Pan-African Congress and Interwar Consolidation</p><p>4. Kwame Nkrumah and the 1945 Manchester Pan-African Congress</p><ul><li>Explain the aims, structure, and historical development of the Pan-African Conferences and Congresses between 1900 and 1945</li><li>Analyse how these gatherings functioned as spaces for political organisation, debate, and collaboration</li><li>Compare different ideological positions and strategies advanced by activists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States</li><li>Evaluate the contributions of key figures, including W. E. B. Du Bois and Kwame Nkrumah· Assess the relationship between Pan-Africanism and wider anti-colonial movements in the twentieth century</li><li>Analyse the significance of the Pan-African Congress tradition for later independence movements and global Black political thought</li><li>Develop skills in interpreting historical evidence, engaging with historiography, and constructing clear, critical arguments</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with a curiosity about the topic.</p><p>The session will include short lectures to introduce the topic and provide essential historical context, alongside dedicated discussion and group-based learning, with a particular emphasis on collaborative source analysis. Working together, you will explore primary and secondary materials to deepen your understanding of the topic.</p><p>These sources may include maps, photographs of artefacts, drawings, diary entries, and extracts from historical writing. Through structured discussion and group work, you will develop your ability to interpret evidence, ask critical questions, and engage with different perspectives.</p><p>There is no formal homework required, although you may wish to undertake further reading or reflection between sessions to consolidate your learning.</p><p>No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes. </p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/african-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Browse all our African history courses here.</a></p>HistoryAfrican historyvirtual637951HWH231NONEFri23/10/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetApeike UmoluBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities7979Pan-Africanism: The Pan-African Conferences, 1900-1945pan-africanism-the-pan-african-conferences-1900-1945/hwh231-2627<p>Explore the rise of Pan-Africanism, from early international gatherings to bold visions of Black and African unity, anti-colonial struggle, and global solidarity between 1900 and 1945.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-23 00:00:00<p>Step into the world of the Pan-African Conferences and Congresses from 1900 to 1945, where some of the most powerful political ideas of the modern era were debated, refined, and set into motion. This course traces the development of Pan-Africanism from the nineteenth century into the first half of the twentieth century, focusing on a series of international gatherings that brought together activists and intellectuals from across the African world. You will examine how figures such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Kwame Nkrumah worked alongside others from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States to articulate shared visions of unity, challenge colonial rule, and advance demands for political rights and self-determination. The course explores the key debates, tensions, and ambitions that shaped the movement, as well as its connections to wider anti-colonial struggles and its lasting global significance.</p><p> </p><p>Explore the rise of Pan-Africanism, from early international gatherings to bold visions of Black and African unity, anti-colonial struggle, and global solidarity between 1900 and 1945.</p><p>1. Nineteenth-Century Foundations and the 1900 Pan-African Conference</p><p>2. W. E. B. Du Bois and the Pan-African Congresses, 1919-1923</p><p>3. The 1927 Pan-African Congress and Interwar Consolidation</p><p>4. Kwame Nkrumah and the 1945 Manchester Pan-African Congress</p><ul><li>Explain the aims, structure, and historical development of the Pan-African Conferences and Congresses between 1900 and 1945</li><li>Analyse how these gatherings functioned as spaces for political organisation, debate, and collaboration</li><li>Compare different ideological positions and strategies advanced by activists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States</li><li>Evaluate the contributions of key figures, including W. E. B. Du Bois and Kwame Nkrumah· Assess the relationship between Pan-Africanism and wider anti-colonial movements in the twentieth century</li><li>Analyse the significance of the Pan-African Congress tradition for later independence movements and global Black political thought</li><li>Develop skills in interpreting historical evidence, engaging with historiography, and constructing clear, critical arguments</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with a curiosity about the topic.</p><p>The session will include short lectures to introduce the topic and provide essential historical context, alongside dedicated discussion and group-based learning, with a particular emphasis on collaborative source analysis. Working together, you will explore primary and secondary materials to deepen your understanding of the topic.</p><p>These sources may include maps, photographs of artefacts, drawings, diary entries, and extracts from historical writing. Through structured discussion and group work, you will develop your ability to interpret evidence, ask critical questions, and engage with different perspectives.</p><p>There is no formal homework required, although you may wish to undertake further reading or reflection between sessions to consolidate your learning.</p><p>No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes. </p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/african-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Browse all our African history courses here.</a></p>HistoryAfrican historyconfigurable
19761178African historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/african-history1/2/285/1177/1178/19761/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/African history
