What is Pan-Africanism?

[Jacuma]

Pan-Africanism:
Represents African Global Resistance to Neo-Colonialism and Imperialist Globalization



"The determined and conscious resistance to penetration and foreign nations, we have seen, is a constant feature in the drive for the assertion and preservation of African people. The people possess a rich tradition of fighting, of armed opposition and of socio-cultural resistance to colonial rule.....domination has never been accepted. On account of the very historic conditions and specific characteristics of a given socioeconomic entity, liberation struggle (of Africa and worldwide) took different ways, a diversity of forms of expression and methods of struggle against direct imperialist domination. But in this development, each liberation struggle did not in reality clash with a single state, but with the entire world system (imperialism) to which that state belongs. And in that clash it participated as a link of the colonizing countries, the democratic, socialist forces into the world and the international working class". - Ahmed Sekou Ture

It is only through struggle that man and woman gain consciousness. Centuries of noble, courageous but isolated struggle led to the need and means for coordinated struggle. The struggle would have to be coordinated from Africa to wherever the slave trade led. But the brutal rape of Africa made it impossible to get a base at home, in Africa. Only Ethiopia and Liberia escaped outright colonization. In the beginning this coordinated expression of struggle would be found outside of Africa, as these were the only means possible.

The Pan-African movement found its early roots in t he convening of the first Pan-African Conference in London in 1900 by Henry Sylvester Williams. Also in attendance was Julia Ann Cooper. The conference represented the aspirations of Africans worldwide that were searching for the ideology and organizational form that would lead black people to liberation. The vision of the conference was clear - the sons and daughter of Africa, scattered and suffering worldwide must coordinate their thinking and multiform actions in a unified struggle against imperialism. The conference wanted the hundreds of millions of Africans throughout the world to form a unified army with a monolithic ideology.


Following the procedure adopted by Henry Sylvester-Williams, in connection with the 1900 Pan-African conference, W.E.B Dubois convened and presided over a series of Pan-African congresses between 1919 and 1945 which laid the ground for later successes. The fifth in the series, held in 1945, is considered to herald the beginning of a new era where for the first time; Africans from Africa, Africans from the Caribbean and Africans from the United States came together and designed a program for the future independence of Africa. They proclaimed all dependencies must be free from alien control, both political and economic. Pan-Africanism has always meant the involvement of Africans at home and abroad in an organized manner, thus demonstrating that we are all Africans, with the same origins, history, culture, aim and destiny and consequently, commitment to our nation.


"All people of African descent whether they live in North or South America, the Caribbean or in any other part of the world are Africans and belong to the African Nation." - Osageyfo Kwame Nkrumah

[Odarquaye]

Thank you for your definition of pan-africanism.

I think it is also important to assess what is going on today and what pan africanism is today. With the formation and demise of the OAU and now the birth of the African Union (AU) many have said that Africa is becoming more united and are using pan africanism in a different context. I would argue that the quotes you use from Toure and Nkrumah are based on revoluotionary panafricanism and that today no neo-colonial government in Africa is worthy to be said to be fighting for African people. But there are social movements struggling for social change.
In the diaspora revolutionary pan africanism is also present in everyday struggle from struggle against institutional racism and police brutality.

Peace

Odarquaye

[Ready4Revolution]

the total liberation and unifacation of africa under scientific socialism

[cdemafa]

Originally Posted by Ready4Revolution

the total liberation and unifacation of africa under scientific socialism

Organization of African Unity or African Union are a pan africanism without pan africanists.How can we fight for the total liberation when we have neo colonial products such as NEPAD (knee pad).

[G.O.D.F.A.T.H.A.]

Pan Africanism to me is our standard ways of thinking as pure Africans. Thats why its important as a Pan African to remember the ways of the ancestors. Uhuru!

[BlackQueen]

Pan-Africanism is knowing our rich and powerful history from Africa,knowing great leaders,both from the Motherland,and Amerikkka. It is about getting rid of European ways of thinking,and embracing an Afrikan centered mentality.

[BrotherMinisterHeru]

Pan Africanism is the acknowledgement and pride of one nation.

[SpiritLevel]

Is Pan Africanism all of the above plus more?

[Tumi]

Originally Posted by Jacuma

Pan-Africanism:
Represents African Global Resistance to Neo-Colonialism and Imperialist Globalization



"The determined and conscious resistance to penetration and foreign nations, we have seen, is a constant feature in the drive for the assertion and preservation of African people. The people possess a rich tradition of fighting, of armed opposition and of socio-cultural resistance to colonial rule.....domination has never been accepted. On account of the very historic conditions and specific characteristics of a given socioeconomic entity, liberation struggle (of Africa and worldwide) took different ways, a diversity of forms of expression and methods of struggle against direct imperialist domination. But in this development, each liberation struggle did not in reality clash with a single state, but with the entire world system (imperialism) to which that state belongs. And in that clash it participated as a link of the colonizing countries, the democratic, socialist forces into the world and the international working class". - Ahmed Sekou Ture

It is only through struggle that man and woman gain consciousness. Centuries of noble, courageous but isolated struggle led to the need and means for coordinated struggle. The struggle would have to be coordinated from Africa to wherever the slave trade led. But the brutal rape of Africa made it impossible to get a base at home, in Africa. Only Ethiopia and Liberia escaped outright colonization. In the beginning this coordinated expression of struggle would be found outside of Africa, as these were the only means possible.

The Pan-African movement found its early roots in t he convening of the first Pan-African Conference in London in 1900 by Henry Sylvester Williams. Also in attendance was Julia Ann Cooper. The conference represented the aspirations of Africans worldwide that were searching for the ideology and organizational form that would lead black people to liberation. The vision of the conference was clear - the sons and daughter of Africa, scattered and suffering worldwide must coordinate their thinking and multiform actions in a unified struggle against imperialism. The conference wanted the hundreds of millions of Africans throughout the world to form a unified army with a monolithic ideology.


Following the procedure adopted by Henry Sylvester-Williams, in connection with the 1900 Pan-African conference, W.E.B Dubois convened and presided over a series of Pan-African congresses between 1919 and 1945 which laid the ground for later successes. The fifth in the series, held in 1945, is considered to herald the beginning of a new era where for the first time; Africans from Africa, Africans from the Caribbean and Africans from the United States came together and designed a program for the future independence of Africa. They proclaimed all dependencies must be free from alien control, both political and economic. Pan-Africanism has always meant the involvement of Africans at home and abroad in an organized manner, thus demonstrating that we are all Africans, with the same origins, history, culture, aim and destiny and consequently, commitment to our nation.


"All people of African descent whether they live in North or South America, the Caribbean or in any other part of the world are Africans and belong to the African Nation." - Osageyfo Kwame Nkrumah

I salute you!

[Im The Truth]

Let's Us Return

[rebelAfrika]

Originally Posted by BrotherMinisterHeru

Pan Africanism is the acknowledgement and pride of one nation.

The definition of Pan-Africanism AS DEFINED IN THE FIFTH PAN-AFRICANIST CONGRESS HELD IN MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, IN 1945 is: "The total liberation and unification of Africa under Scientific Socialism." All these other definitions (such as the one quoted above) are just "feel good" definitions.

[Im The Truth]

Originally Posted by rebelAfrika

The definition of Pan-Africanism AS DEFINED IN THE FIFTH PAN-AFRICANIST CONGRESS HELD IN MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, IN 1945 is: "The total liberation and unification of Africa under Scientific Socialism." All these other definitions (such as the one quoted above) are just "feel good" definitions.

This is the right definition! Though, I thought it was defined at the Conference of Independent African States in Accra, Ghana 1958. But it does make more sense for it to be there because this 5th Pan-African conference was the final spark to begin African Liberation.

Forward To PanAfricanism!

[rebelAfrika]

Originally Posted by Im The Truth

This is the right definition! Though, I thought it was defined at the Conference of Independent African States in Accra, Ghana 1958. But it does make more sense for it to be there because this 5th Pan-African conference was the final spark to begin African Liberation.

Forward To PanAfricanism!

From what I read, the definition came out of the 5th PAC...but thats just from what "I" read though. If you have information that verifies another origin to where the definition derives from, please share.

[Im The Truth]

Remember the Osagyefo Dr. Kwawme Nkrumah Today!!!!

[Majadi]

Now begs the question, who and what defines scientific socialism? I being one of those who believes that all of our people must be liberated often use the term Pan-Afrikan Nationalist in reference for myself. Are we defining Scientific Socialism by Afrikan values and systems? If so how is it that the masses will adopt this worldview? When we espouse intellectual argumentation as we so often do we come in danger of losing our people whose conditions exist as, food stamps, rats, roaches, crack, and mc donald's. Now understand I am not saying this is the natural condition of our folks nor am I saying this is the final stop for them but it is current for many of us! Pan-Afrikanism must be delivered in such a manner that it can truly be Pan(all, world) Afrikanist, and touch everybody!


We may have read Nkrumah, and Garvey, but how many of us have and more than that for those of us who have where are the practical means of using this stuff for food, shelter and clothing.