#AfricaForAfricans

[blackstarlineage]

The 1945 Pan-African Congress: A Garveyite Perspective on Black Unity, Anti-Colonial Struggle, and African Self-Determination

The Fifth Pan-African Congress (1945), held in Manchester, England, was a critical turning point in the global fight against colonial rule and a major moment in the history of Black resistance, Pan-Africanism, and the call for African self-determination. Unlike previous Pan-African Congresses, which were largely dominated by elite intellectuals, the 1945 Congress brought together workers, trade unionists, and revolutionary African nationalists, who were not just debating ideas but actively organizing for African liberation.

From a Garveyite perspective, the Manchester Congress was a necessary step forward in the fight against colonialism, but it also lacked the full economic and political vision of Garveyism, which emphasized not just political independence but Black economic self-reliance, industrial power, and global Pan-African unity under an independent African state.

This analysis will explore:

The historical context leading up to the 1945 Pan-African Congress.

The key figures and their contributions to anti-colonial struggle.

The successes and limitations of the Congress from a Garveyite perspective.

How Garveyism provides a more complete roadmap for African self-determination.

1. The Context: Why Was the 1945 Pan-African Congress Necessary?

By 1945, Africa and the African diaspora had been suffering under centuries of colonial exploitation, land theft, racial oppression, and economic strangulation. However, World War II (1939–1945) created conditions that made African liberation inevitable.

A. The Global Impact of WWII on African Colonies

European powers were weakened by the war, making them more vulnerable to anti-colonial movements.

African soldiers who fought in the war returned radicalized, refusing to accept colonial rule anymore.

The war exposed the hypocrisy of Western “democracies”, which claimed to fight against fascism while oppressing African and Caribbean peoples.

Example: Thousands of African soldiers from Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Ghana fought for Britain and France but were still treated as second-class citizens.

B. Growing Anti-Colonial Movements Across Africa and the Caribbean

By 1945, anti-colonial resistance was already spreading across the African world:

The Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya was brewing against British settlers.

Kwame Nkrumah and other young revolutionaries were organizing in West Africa.

Haitians and Caribbean intellectuals were demanding an end to French colonial rule.

Example: The 1944 West African Railway Strike in Senegal showed that workers were beginning to resist European exploitation.

Key Takeaway: African people were no longer just resisting in theory—they were actively organizing for revolution.

2. Key Figures and Their Revolutionary Contributions

The 1945 Pan-African Congress was led by some of the most important anti-colonial thinkers of the 20th century, including:

A. Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) – The Future Leader of African Independence

Promoted immediate self-government and rejected slow colonial reforms.

Called for mass mobilization of workers, farmers, and students to fight colonial rule.

Later became the first president of Ghana (1957) and a leader of the Pan-African movement.

Garveyite Perspective: Nkrumah embodied Garvey’s vision but failed to implement full economic independence, leading to his downfall.

B. Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya) – The Face of the Mau Mau Resistance

Advocated for land reform and the return of stolen land to Africans.

Became the first president of Kenya (1963) after years of struggle against British rule.

Was later accused of betraying the Mau Mau fighters by making deals with former colonizers.

Garveyite Perspective: Kenyatta’s failure to redistribute land after independence shows why political freedom is useless without economic control.

C. W.E.B. Du Bois (USA) – The Intellectual Strategist of the Movement

Used academic and political strategies to push for African liberation.

Called for global Black solidarity and unity between African nations and the diaspora.

Later exiled to Ghana, where he worked for African unity until his death.

Garveyite Perspective: Du Bois, despite his Pan-Africanism, initially rejected Garvey’s mass movement approach, which proved to be a mistake.

Key Takeaway: These leaders helped lay the foundation for African independence, but only Nkrumah fully attempted to implement Pan-Africanism as Garvey envisioned.

3. The Successes of the 1945 Pan-African Congress

The Congress was a turning point in the anti-colonial struggle for three main reasons:

A. Declaring War on Colonialism and White Supremacy

For the first time, the Congress openly called for the complete end of colonial rule, rather than slow reforms.

It declared that Africans would use ANY MEANS NECESSARY to win their freedom.

Example: The Congress issued a resolution demanding full independence for all African nations—a radical step compared to previous conferences.

B. The Rise of Grassroots, Working-Class Activism

Unlike previous Pan-African meetings, which were led by elites, this Congress included workers, farmers, and everyday Africans.

Trade unions and student organizations were key participants, showing that the movement had real grassroots support.

Example: African workers in the Caribbean and West Africa launched major strikes and boycotts after the Congress, proving its impact.

C. Creating the Blueprint for African Independence

Many of the leaders at this Congress went on to lead their nations to independence in the 1950s and 60s.

The Congress connected African struggles with Caribbean and Black American struggles, proving that Pan-Africanism was a global fight.

Example: Kwame Nkrumah took the ideas from the Congress and used them to lead Ghana to independence in 1957.

Key Takeaway: The Congress helped turn Pan-Africanism into an active revolutionary movement rather than just an intellectual debate.

4. The Garveyite Critique: Why the 1945 Pan-African Congress Was Not Enough

While the Congress was a major step forward, it failed in key areas that Garveyism had already identified as essential for real liberation.

A. No Economic Plan for True Independence

The Congress focused on political freedom but ignored economic self-reliance.

Garvey emphasized building Black industries, businesses, and financial institutions, but this was not prioritized.

As a result, many African nations won independence but remained economically controlled by Europe.

Example: Many former colonies remained dependent on European banks, currencies, and trade policies, making them neo-colonies rather than free nations.

B. Lack of a Unified Pan-African Government

The Congress did not create a plan for a United States of Africa, as Garvey had envisioned.

This failure allowed European powers to keep African nations divided and weak.

Example: African leaders after independence often competed against each other rather than uniting, which made them vulnerable to Western control.

Key Takeaway: Garvey understood that political independence without economic and military strength is a trap.

5. The Garveyite Solution: Completing the Pan-African Revolution

To finish the work of the 1945 Pan-African Congress, Black people must:

Take full control of African economies, land, and industries.

Establish a unified African government and military.

End European economic control and create a Black-centered financial system.

Strengthen global Black trade between Africa, the Caribbean, and the diaspora.

Final Takeaway: The 1945 Pan-African Congress was a major step toward independence, but true liberation requires Garvey’s vision of a powerful, self-sufficient Black world.

[lawson-l-mbu-abia]

"One people, One Origin, and One culture that stands out. Africa our pride, a race of people - warriors thriving through storms.

Our strength knows no bounds, hence it is time we remove the limitations. We are One, we remain our brothers' keeper." ABIA LEVIS MBU LAWSON.

#AfricaforAfricans

#Africaweek

#BorderlessAfrica

#Africansrising,

[ghost-37]

[atacxgymcapoeira]

This beautiful animal? Did NOTHING to her or anyone else! She's standing exultant with her finger signaling she's number one, her face tilted up like she's praising God for murdering one of Nature's most beautiful, innocent creatures. Murdering beautiful rare animals which were peacefully minding their own business in our Afrika is what they do for SPORT; like it's a good thing. These horrible murderers need to be expelled from our continent FOREVER. Same with the racist, disrespectful Chinese invaders. #atacxgym #atacxgymcapoeira #atacxgymnation #headcoachras #atacxgymstreetwarriorcapoeira #attacklife #kipura #njiauhurukipura #mypath #journey #myjourney #lifejourney #animalrights #blacklivesmatter #blackgunsmatter #africaforafricans #gohardorgohome #news #creative #fighter #power #stickfighter #imafighter #determination #ifnotmethenwho #ifnotnowthenwhen #giraffe #faith #maat follow my social media: Website:https://sites.google.com/site/atacxgymcapoeira/home WEBSITE/SITE: https://sites.google.com/view/atacxgymcapoeira/home INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/atacxgymcapoeira/, TWITTER: https://twitter.com/atacxgym, BLOG: atacxgymcapoeira.blogspot.com :FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/capoeiraselfdefensethatworks/ FACEBOOK PERSONAL ATACX GYM PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/AtacxGymStreetWarriorCapoeira https://www.instagram.com/p/CQwHqYvDnlo/?utm_medium=tumblr

[justisborred]

#africaforafricans Posted @withregram • @dc.radical1 Reposted from @ebeme247 Mama Afrika nor her children (continental & diaspora) are a testing laboratory. #fireunethicalworkers #saynotoevilmedicalpractices #saynotounethicalpractice - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/B-kOM2zns3E/?igshid=nj44l9i7a2lr

[islandnaturals]

On this day in history, August 13, 1920. #MarcusGarveySaid “Den how everybody have flag, we need fi wi flag to” (not in those exact words 🤣) The flag is a symbol of pride in self. It’s represents the unbreakable bond of Africans everywhere. Red: African Blood Black: The melanin Green: The abundant natural wealth of Africa. #RBG #Garvey #MarcusGarvey #AfricanPride #Africa #Alkebulan #AfricaForAfricans #Africaishome (at Jamaica) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1G2-eth4LX/?igshid=jn0b274fo2p1

[dukuzumurenyiphd]

Posted @withrepost • @tinaishematope Didn't finish my Sociology Degree and my family almost excommunicated me. Looking from the outside. I could be fronting for a certain Euro NGO as most of my peers are. My Spirit would have none of it and eye left. Truth is. Universities (especially here in Afrika) are battery farms that harvest Afrika's intellectually gifted minds for servitude in Euro institutions and businesses. Talent screening institutions that take Black people and uses them to service/uphold/maintain Euro economic cycle/dominion/White Supremacy. Education is a system of control. The same people who control the oppressive capitalist system for economic power play and the whole social system ever since slavery/colonial rule. Schools and universities are like a 12 step brainwash boot camp, where they Whitewash/brainwash you to belive what they want you to beLIEve. #knowthyself #knowledgeofself #knowledgeispower #riseup #wiseup #wakeup #panafrican #afrikanist #africaforafricans #stayafrikan #africa #afrika https://www.instagram.com/p/B3iXv4GD9Y-/?igshid=8ingv1dhtms2

[livinggiving]

"If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together." African Proverb✊🏿

Our community impact day in Mozambique, will be with Iverca association and supporting local businesses. A chance to experience our rich culture and learn together

www.livingandgiving.life . . #worldtravelers #blackguidetravel #motherland #africaforafricans #mozambique #southafrica #nature #blackhistory #soul #culture #safari #animallover #krugernationalpark #community #children #knowledge #impact #UNITY #worldtravelig #travelgram #doyoutravel #goexplore #travelmore #lovetotravel #wonderfulplaces #roamtheplanet #travellifestyle #blackandabroad #adventurousimpacters✊🏿

[theblack-awakening]

Get yours here... MelaninProud.com #melaninrich #blackmen #melaninmen #ebonygirls #blackwomenmatter #blackwomenbelike #blackbusinesswomen #melaninpoppin #melaninrich #blacklove #blackfamily #ebonygirls #melanin #blackcouples #blackwomen #melanincouples #melaninmakeup #melaninmagic #blacklovepage #africaforafricans #myblackisbeautiful #marriedandblack #melanintees #supportblackbusiness #blackexcellence #supportourpeople #knowthyself #blackkings #blackqueens #usfirst https://www.instagram.com/p/BzKvP6IBL-_/?igshid=13sfo0r6az3l1

[blackstarlineage]

Marcus Garvey’s Life and Legacy: A Garveyite Perspective on Black Self-Reliance, Economic Independence, and Global Pan-Africanism

Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887–1940) was one of the most influential Black leaders in history, pioneering a vision of Black nationalism, economic self-reliance, and Pan-African unity that continues to inspire generations. As the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), Garvey built the largest mass movement in Black history, promoting the Back-to-Africa movement, Black economic empowerment, and the establishment of a global African nation free from European domination.

From a Garveyite perspective, Garvey was not just a civil rights leader—he was a revolutionary visionary who understood that Black people must control their own economies, land, and political systems to be truly free. This analysis will explore:

Garvey’s early life and the experiences that shaped his Pan-African vision.

The rise of the UNIA and the impact of the Back-to-Africa movement.

His speeches and writings that defined the Black liberation struggle.

The global influence of Garveyism and how his ideas remain relevant today.

1. Garvey’s Early Life: The Birth of a Revolutionary

Marcus Garvey was born on August 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, a British colony at the time. His early experiences with racism, colonial oppression, and the exploitation of Black labour shaped his belief in Pan-Africanism and self-reliance.

A. Growing Up Under British Colonial Rule

Garvey witnessed how Black Jamaicans were economically excluded while British settlers controlled land, business, and government.

His father owned a small library, which allowed young Garvey to study African and world history, inspiring his intellectual growth.

Example: Garvey saw that Black people in Jamaica were taught European history and told to admire the British Empire, while their own African history was erased—a theme he would later challenge.

B. Travels and First Encounters with Global Racism

In his early 20s, Garvey travelled to Central and South America, where he saw Black workers living in extreme poverty while white elites controlled the economy.

He worked in Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, where Black workers built infrastructure for U.S. and European corporations but remained poor and landless.

Example: Garvey realized that Black oppression was not just a Jamaican or Caribbean issue—it was a global problem caused by European imperialism and white supremacy.

Key Takeaway: Garvey’s early experiences made him see that Black liberation required a global solution, not just local activism.

2. The Rise of the UNIA and the Back-to-Africa Movement

A. The Founding of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) (1914)

After returning to Jamaica, Garvey founded the UNIA in 1914 with the goal of uplifting Black people through education, economic self-sufficiency, and African unity.

The UNIA’s motto was “One God! One Aim! One Destiny!”

The organization quickly expanded beyond Jamaica, gaining followers across the Caribbean, the United States, Latin America, and Africa.

In 1916, Garvey moved to Harlem, New York, where the UNIA became a mass movement with millions of members worldwide.

Example: The UNIA built Black-owned businesses, schools, and economic programs, proving that Black people could be self-reliant without white assistance.

B. The Back-to-Africa Movement and the Black Star Line

Garvey’s Back-to-Africa movement was based on the idea that Black people would never be free under European rule and needed to return to Africa to build a strong, independent nation.

In 1919, Garvey launched the Black Star Line, a shipping company meant to facilitate trade between Black nations and eventually transport African descendants back to Africa.

The Black Star Line was funded by Black investors, showing that Black people could finance their own liberation.

Example: The Black Star Line inspired future Black business ventures and Pan-African economic cooperation, even though it was later sabotaged by the U.S. government interference.

Key Takeaway: Garvey’s movement was not just about cultural pride—it was about building a real Black economy, independent of white control.

3. Garvey’s Speeches and Writings: Defining the Black Liberation Struggle

Garvey was a powerful orator and writer, and his speeches and books shaped the ideology of Black nationalism, economic self-sufficiency, and Pan-Africanism.

A. The “Africa for the Africans” Speech

In multiple speeches, Garvey declared that Africa belonged to Black people, not European colonizers, calling for an independent African empire.

He rejected integration with white society, arguing that Black people should build their own institutions instead of seeking white approval.

Quote: “The Negro must build his own government, industry, and civilization or forever remain the hewer of wood and drawer of water.”

B. The “Look to Africa” Prophecy

Garvey predicted that one day, a Black king would rise in Africa to unite Black people globally.

His followers later connected this prophecy to Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia (1930), leading to the birth of the Rastafari movement.

Quote: “Look to Africa, when a Black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is at hand.”

Key Takeaway: Garvey’s speeches inspired both political movements and cultural revolutions, proving that Pan-Africanism was both a political and spiritual force.

4. The Global Impact of Garveyism and Its Legacy

Garvey’s ideas influenced liberation movements across Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S., shaping Black resistance for generations.

A. Influence on African Independence Leaders

Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) openly credited Garvey as a major influence on his vision for African liberation.

Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya) and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) embraced Garvey’s call for African self-rule and unity.

Example: Ghana, the first African nation to gain independence (1957), used Garvey’s Pan-African teachings as a foundation for its policies.

B. Impact on the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements

Malcolm X, the Nation of Islam, and the Black Panther Party all drew inspiration from Garvey’s focus on self-reliance.

The Rastafari movement emerged from Garvey’s teachings, blending Pan-Africanism with African spiritual revival.

Example: Malcolm X’s call for Black nationalism and economic independence was a direct continuation of Garvey’s ideas.

Key Takeaway: Even after his death, Garvey’s philosophy remained central to Black liberation movements worldwide.

5. The Garveyite Solution: Completing the Work of Marcus Garvey

Although Garvey’s movement was sabotaged by the U.S. government, his vision for Black self-reliance and Pan-African unity remains the blueprint for true Black liberation.

To fulfill Garvey’s dream of global Black power, we must:

Reclaim Africa’s economy – End European and U.S. control over African industries and resources.

Strengthen Black-owned businesses worldwide – Build an economic system that benefits Africans, not multinational corporations.

Create a strong African-led military – Defend Black sovereignty from foreign intervention.

Unify African and diaspora communities – Establish a single, powerful Pan-African government.

Develop an independent Black media – Control our own narratives and reject white-washed histories.

Final Takeaway: Garvey taught us that true freedom requires economic and political self-determination. The struggle is not over—we must finish what he started.

Conclusion: Garvey’s Legacy Lives On

Marcus Garvey’s vision of Black economic and political power is more relevant today than ever. As Africa and the diaspora continue to face neo-colonial exploitation, political instability, and economic dependence, Garveyism remains the key to true Black sovereignty.

As Garvey said: “Africa for the Africans, at home and abroad!”

The fight for self-reliance, unity, and freedom is not over—it is just beginning.

[umbrellamindz]

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#azania wow powerful! Return to our original structure! #southafrica #eff #clt #salute Repost from @painandpowerproductions using @RepostRegramApp - Sis voice is divine. This is apparently a “South African” war song saying how Africa (From Cape to Cairo, Morocco to Madagascar) will be reclaimed by the true people of the continent by any means necessary. The true name of what we call South Africa is Azania and the EFF is determined to change the name back once they regain power over “their” country. @nelisiwe_faith_sibiya #azania #africaforafricans #eff #melanin #blackgirlmagic #saltoftheearthWww.kingdomofmel.com Repost By @kingdom_of_mel Omg this is so beautiful @tacaraluv Reposted from @cestmoi_melanyah - https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0m5Q9BMgO/?igshid=eb8v9tg7zpu8

[lyfestile]

Rest In Power to the REVOLUTIONARY Winnie Mandela. Thank you for refusing to appease the oppressor. #ripwinniemadikizelamandela #southafrica #freedomfighter #anc #africaforafricans #fuckapartheid #freetheland #endapartheid #revolutionary #winniemandela

[omegasunslight]

Honoring the b'earthday of a great master teacher. Thank you as you walk with the ancestors in the great Essence. Your contribution is appreciated. . . . #africaforafricans #drbenjochannan #unesco75 #greatandmightywalk #blackmaninegypt #committeetohonorblackheroes #awakeningoftheblackmind (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJd-KKLAROY/?igshid=exwzr8kiuj6g

[justisborred]

#africaforafricans

[islandnaturals]

Africa is the legitimate, moral and righteous home of all negroes...The only country that the black man can claim heritage is Africa. ~ Marcus Garvey ...the entire globe is ours really 😏 Africa inspired shoot with @iamdashproductions Makeup by @arisamy_mua #africainspired #Africa #Alkebulan #Ethiopia #NegroLand #LandOfTheBlacks #africanfacepaint #tribalmarks #Adinkra #maasai #zulu #kikuyu #OmoValleyTribes #SuriTribe #karoTribe #MursiTribe #AfricaForAfricans #MarcusGarvey (at Jamaica) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzHLzqByvo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1g0zwg9z4n0sy