A Road To Pan-Africanism

In October 1945, a pivotal moment in global history unfolded at Chorlton-on-Medlock Town Hall, at what is today Manchester Metropolitan University’s Grosvenor Building on Oxford Road.

This building hosted the Fifth Pan African Congress—a gathering that reshaped the trajectory of anti-colonial struggle, self-determination, and Pan-African solidarity. Post-war Europe was still reeling after years of conflict—but on this stretch of Oxford Road, Manchester’s Black community and socialist traditions created a uniquely welcoming environment. The city’s sizeable network of Black-owned businesses, cultural spaces, and grassroots organisations offered key infrastructure support.

The Congress provided a platform for a wide range of African delegates—students, intellectuals, emerging leaders—a new generation who would become the architects of liberation. Oxford Road wasn’t an incidental location; it was a space of convergence—where local community, diasporic networks, and radical thought found common ground. A red commemorative plaque now marks the site of the old town hall, thanks in part to local activist Kath Locke’s advocacy.

As we approach this year’s 80th anniversary, A Road to Pan-Africanism will provide a home for these stories, key events, and reflections—while also recognising the ongoing legacy of the Congress in today’s struggles against racism and inequality.

Ras T. Makonnen: Oxford Road and the Pan-African Congress

Oxford Road and the Pan-African Congress: Washington Alcott explores Ras T. Makonnen’s Manchester enterprises and their role in ending empire.

Atoning in the Present for the Injustices of the Past

Keisha Thompson, Programme Manager, introduces The Scott Trust’s 10-year Legacies of Enslavement restorative justice project.

Africa Hub

Manchester Museum’s Danny Roberts introduces Africa Hub a gallery built around what is not known.

RNCM announces winners of 2026 Williams-Howard Prize

The winners of the annual Williams-Howard Prize celebrating and promoting the study and performance of art songs by composers of African heritage have been revealed.

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A sense of freedom’: 80 years on from the Pan-African Congress in Manchester

The legacy of this pivotal event in Black history continues to echo across countries and generations with its call for unity

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Cotton Capital

Cotton Capital is a Guardian journalism project that will explore the findings of the research, as well as reporting on how transatlantic slavery shaped Manchester, Britain and the rest of the world.

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Africa Speaks in Manchester

People’s History Mueum blog by Historian Geoff Brown and PHM and Manchester Metropolitan University Researcher Dr Shirin Hirsch looking at the 80th anniversary of the fifth Pan-African Congress.

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Bunker Talks Spotlight : Zodwa Nyoni

In July 2025, Manchester Met’s Bunker Talks explored the research and writing of Scriptwriting Lecturer Zodwa Nyoni, whose play Liberation powerfully examines the private lives of those who fought for Africa’s freedom.

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The ‘radical’ Manchester event that changed Africa

The BBC looks back at the 1945 Manchester event that helped ignite Africa’s independence — the radical Fifth Pan-African Congress.

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Black History Trail: Pan-African Manchester

This Black history trail takes you along Oxford Road, past key sites and events for Pan-African activism to challenge injustice globally.

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Williams-Howard Prize at RNCM

The Williams-Howard Prize champions the study and performance of art songs by composers of the African diaspora, ensuring this vital repertoire is celebrated and preserved. Established in 2021, it supports emerging singers and pianists while building a lasting legacy in the classical canon.

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A Road To Pan-Africanism

Ras T. Makonnen: Oxford Road and the Pan-African Congress