This October, Manchester will come alive with the voices, stories, and achievements of African and Caribbean communities as the city marks the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress this Black History Month.
Embracing the powerful theme ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride,’ this celebration honours the enduring strength, creativity and resilience of the Black diaspora. From acts of resistance during enslavement, to the vibrant spirit of carnival, to the proud legacy of activism and community organising across Manchester.
Black History Month in 2025 calls for the everyone to acknowledge the strength and commitment of those that came before us to truly stand proud in what Black culture, identity and societal progress means today.
Manchester City Council is marking this special month with a host of events. Our Equity and Engagement Team will honour the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress, a landmark meeting for anti-colonial movements both in Manchester and Africa.
Local historian Parise Carmicheal-Murphy will be joined by the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre team for a deep dive talk and archive exploration, highlighting the impact the conference has had on racial equality 80 years on.
The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and Trust will also host a talk at Central Library to commemorate the anniversary of the Congress and its enduring relevance.
This event will include poetry and spoken word by Manchester-based literature and performance arts charity, Young Identity, and poet, Shirley May. Journalist, Gary Younge, will also be giving a talk and holding space for an important conversation on what Black history means in the 21st century.
The Portico Library will host an exhibition curated by staff and student researchers associated with the Race, Roots & Resistance Collective’s Emerging Scholars programme at the University of Manchester – with the council’s staff-led Race Equality Network’s activities and plans aligning closely with the journey and topic.
The exhibition gives a poignant lookback at the Fifth Pan-African Congress, bringing together archive material, photographs and audio recordings that honour the legacy of the congress and the ideas for change it ignited.
Manchester Libraries are welcoming literature readings with authors such as Ashley Thorpe who will read her latest book, ‘Spirit Warriors’ and money coach Tynan Matembe as she launches her new book about financial freedom. The Marcus Rashford archives can also be visited at Manchester Central Library, featuring heartfelt messages from supporters left at his Withington mural.
At Aviva Studios, Factory International and HOME theatre, expect to see vibrant showcases of African-Caribbean inspired music, dance, poetry and community discussion and the Caribbean and African Health Network will bring all the glitz and glamour as they celebrate ‘Black Champions’ at this year’s Gala and Awards ceremony.
