Pan-Africanism: A concept of conscious identity, not mere rhetorics

By Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin

In the spectrum of human diversity, the notion of identity often spans geographical boundaries, cultural backgrounds, and historical legacies.

Among these, Pan-Africanism stands as a guiding principle, not confined to mere rhetoric but as a profound identity encompassing the shared origins, struggles, and aspirations of a diverse yet interconnected populace scattered across continents.

At its core, Pan-Africanism transcends the geographical borders of the African continent, embracing all people of African descent, whether rooted in the heartlands of Africa or dispersed across the globe due to historical migrations and injustices.

It heralds a consciousness—a conscious identity, rather than a mere intellectual concept—that unites individuals under the banner of a common heritage.

The Historical Context:

Pan-Africanism, a movement that emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, represents a powerful identity rooted in the shared struggles, dreams, and aspirations of individuals of African descent worldwide.

To understand the significance of Pan-Africanism, we must delve into its historical context.

Born out of the shared experiences of colonisation, slavery, and racial injustice, Pan-Africanism emerged as a response to the common struggles faced by individuals of African descent throughout the world.

It provided a platform for those affected to unite and address the systemic issues plaguing their communities.

The prefix "Pan" in Pan-Africanism signifies inclusivity, expansiveness, and universality.

It symbolises a holistic embrace that spans the multifaceted spectrum of African heritage—breaking through tribal divisions, national boundaries, and societal stratifications.

Pan-Africanism beckons individuals to recognise themselves not solely by the confines of a tribe or a nation but as a part of a larger, interconnected African family.

Diaspora and Shared Heritage

It is crucial to acknowledge the historical context of the African diaspora and the Caribbean, where countless individuals were forcibly uprooted from their African families and sold into slavery abroad.

Pan Africanism invites those in the diaspora to trace their identities back to their African roots and reclaim their heritage.

By recognising the common African blood that flows through their veins, individuals in the diaspora can strengthen the bonds of Pan-Africanism, understanding that they are an integral part of the larger African family.

Imagine a world where a person from Seychelles Island, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, the Caribbean, or a black American from the United States confidently introduces themselves as an African without the incessant inquiries of tribal or regional origins.

The current scenario often leads to a cascade of questions delving deeper into divisions — reflective of humanity's inclination to categorise and differentiate.

By adopting a Pan-Africanist perspective, individuals can broaden their sense of belonging and recognise themselves as part of a larger African family encompassing diverse cultures, histories, and contributions.

Just as one can identify with a country or tribe, they can also acknowledge Africa as their place of origin, embracing a unified identity.

The strength of Pan-Africanism lies in its ability to bind together a vast spread. Consider the staggering numbers: over a billion people in Africa itself, along with millions more across the diaspora, scattered from the Caribbean to the United States and Europe.

Embracing this shared identity would render this conglomerate of individuals the largest family on Earth—a family with the potential to foster unity, resilience, and progress.

Economic Solidarity

Central to Pan-Africanism is the recognition of the need for economic solidarity. It promotes economic cooperation, trade, and investment within the African continent, facilitating the growth and development of African nations and individuals.

By harnessing collective economic power, Pan-Africanists seek to overcome the historical exploitation and resource depletion that have hindered Africa's progress.

However, the path to this unity isn't solely a personal endeavor; it requires concerted efforts from organizations like the African Union and other Pan-African bodies.

Education stands as a formidable tool in this pursuit—a tool to enlighten individuals about the essence of Pan-Africanism, not as an abstract idea but as an intrinsic part of their identity and origin. It is a call for African brothers and sisters to be each other’s keeper.

Pan-Africanism, in its essence, isn't a concept to be discussed in lofty conference rooms or confined to academic discourse; it's a call to action, a rallying cry for a conscious recognition of shared ancestry and destiny.

It's a challenge to transcend the divisive tendencies ingrained in societal structures and forge a unity that resonates across generations and continents.

The journey towards Pan-African unity demands introspection, empathy, and a collective will to redefine identities beyond the limitations of borders and tribes.

It invites each individual of African descent to not merely acknowledge their roots but to celebrate them as threads woven into the vibrant fabric of a larger African heritage—a heritage that unites rather than divides.

All Africans regardless of tribe or national origin should be taught to normalise identifying themselves as Africans.

Pan-Africanism and the African Union

Pan-Africanism should serve as the cornerstone of the African Union, an organisation dedicated to fostering unity and cooperation across the continent.

By placing Pan-Africanism at the core of its values, the African Union can prioritise the interests of all Africans and strive for a united Africa that transcends national boundaries, tribal divisions, and colonial legacies.

This unity would amplify the collective voices and efforts of Africans, enabling them to address pressing challenges, achieve economic prosperity, and uphold the principles of justice and equality.

In embracing Pan-Africanism as a conscious identity, not just a concept, we pave the way for a future where individuals introduce themselves proudly as Africans, standing tall in their shared heritage, and building bridges that span across the globe.

This is not a dream; it's a tangible reality awaiting our collective embrace—a reality where unity triumphs over division, and the largest family in the world stands united as one.

The author, Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin is the Executive Director of African Chamber of Content Producers.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints and editorial policies of TRT Afrika.

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