Mapping Pan-Africanism
Pan-Africanism is the belief that people of African descent have common interests and should be unified.
1915 Religious Revolt
"You are going out to fight as African patriots, not just for Nyasaland but the whole of Africa, for the whole black race. Africa is one, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean; remember this. Freedom is the cry for Africa, of the Negro race. I am not saying you are going to win the war and then become kings…some of us will die on the battlefield and leave behind widows and orphans, but they will be a free people. Our blood will mean something at last."
The Militant Negro Domestic
“Our purpose in life is to leave a legacy for our children and our children’s children. For this reason, we must correct history that at present denies our humanity and self-respect.”
Gabriel's Rebellion
"DEATH OR LIBERTY"
1915 Religious Revolt
"You are going out to fight as African patriots, not just for Nyasaland but the whole of Africa, for the whole black race. Africa is one, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean; remember this. Freedom is the cry for Africa, of the Negro race. I am not saying you are going to win the war and then become kings…some of us will die on the battlefield and leave behind widows and orphans, but they will be a free people. Our blood will mean something at last."
John Chilembwe was a preacher who started his own church after returning to Nyasaland from the United States where he received an education with the support of a small local mission. Upon returning he found it difficult to assimilate back into society because the disparities were impossible to ignore.
White Europeans had setup huge coffee plantations with tens of thousands of workers who were provided a meager wage and no access to education, hospitals or missions.
Chilembwe wasn't treated with respect or acceptance for his advanced education or adoption of western customs and fashion.
The Militant Negro Domestic
“Our purpose in life is to leave a legacy for our children and our children’s children. For this reason, we must correct history that at present denies our humanity and self-respect.”
Audley Moore was born in New Orleans, but lived most of her life in New York City. She was highly influenced by the writings of Amy Jacques Garvey (second wife of Marcus Garvey).
Moore was involved in organizing many initiatives throughout her long life; including: founding and being the president of the Universal Association of Ethiopian Women, and she was the founder of the Committee for Reparations for Descendants of U.S. Slaves.
In 1957, Moore presented a petition to the United Nations and a second in 1959, arguing for self-determination, against genocide, for land and reparations, making her an international advocate. She asked for 200 billion dollars to monetarily compensate for 400 years of slavery. The petition also called for compensations to be given to African Americans who wish to return to Africa and those who wish to remain in America. Queen Mother Moore was the first signer of the New African agreement.
Gabriel's Rebellion
"DEATH OR LIBERTY"
The story of Gabriel Prosser and the rebellion he led in 1800 just west of Virginia stands our as an example of the influence of movements around the world at that time. At least 1,000 slaves armed with swords and clubs were prepared to take on their white oppressors, but their plans were leaked and the weather reduced any ability to be victorious.
What was most interesting was the decision making of Gabriel and his followers in terms of who they would target and whom they would spare.
Greatly influenced by the French Revolution and the outcome of the San Domingo Revolution there was a belief that the French would be their allies. Additionally, Gabriel believed that he could forge an alliance with some Democratic-Republicans against a common Federalist enemy. The timing of the revolt, just before the 1800 election, makes it a radical expression of anti-Federalism.
Summary:
For me personally, I was surprised by how many women were involved in the early stages of the Pan African resistance. I feel like when I read about history I'm always expecting to read about men doing heroic actions, but there are so many amazing stories about fiercely determined, empowered women who had to push through multiple layers of oppression. It's also fascinating to learn about all the individuals involved throughout history in a struggle that is playing to this day.
Unlike the American Revolution or the French Revolution, the Pan African Revolution dates back to the 1700s. Over three hundred years of struggle. That is so profound it's hard to fully fathom.
In general, I enjoyed learning about the individuals because of their humanness. Not everyone involved in this struggle is saintly. I had started to create a post about Clements Kadalie, but reading about his misogyny turned me off. Yet as I reflect, so many of our beloved and significant historical figures are flawed. The people can be as complex as the systems they're trying to change.