This October, Manchester will come alive with the stories, and achievements of African and Caribbean communities as the city marks the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress for BHM.
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.
Other Black History Month events are:
- Manchester Libraries will be hosting literature readings from top Black authors, art sessions and an emotive exhibition about Afro hair throughout October. Free entry.
- Black Creative Trailblazers showcase will feature singing, poetry, spoken word, African fashion and much more at the Aviva Studios: Factory International, 3 October, from 6pm. Tickets available now.
- Delicious African food from Bahar Cafe will be available and educational advice on looking after health and well-being at Chorlton Library, 4 October, 11-3pm. Free entry.
- Dr Helena Kettleborough and Elaine Bishop share literature about Manchester’s longstanding Black communities in ‘Ubuntu – Standing Firm: Hope and celebration in print’ at the Portico Library, 4 October, 12-4pm. Free entry.
- Award-winning journalist Professor Gary Younge explores the 80th anniversary of the Manchester Pan-African Congress at the People’s History Museum, 17 October, from 7-8:30pm. Taking bookings now.
- Immersive exhibition about the Pan-African Congress at Portico Library, 22 Sept-5 Nov. Free entry.
- A deep-dive talk about the Pan-African Congress with Parise Carmicheal-Murphy, exploring Manchester’s role in Pan-African history at the Friend’s Meeting House, 29 October, 6-8:30pm. Tickets available.
- The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and Trust are running reflective talk about the 80th anniversary of the Pan-African Congress with journalist Gary Younge and poet Shirley May at the Central Library, 3 November, 5-9:30pm. Tickets available.
- Families can participate in Craft Club inspired by the Power and Pride theme at Powerhouse Library, every Thursday till end of October.
Throughout October, Mancunians are being encouraged to reflect on the city’s role in Black history. From the rows of former cotton mills in Ancoats that housed cotton from plantations to the Royal Exchange Theatre that once operated as a stock exchange for the trading of cotton picked by enslaved Africans.
The northern city, once known as ‘Cottonopolis,’ carries a story of struggle and triumph long before the gathering of the Fifth Pan-African Congress in Chorlton-on-Medlock Town Hall. The building still stands today as Manchester Metropolitan University’s Grosvenor Building on busy Oxford Road.
It’s plaque, cemented in history, is a nostalgic reminder of the revolutionaries and activists that came together under one roof to make change in Manchester and beyond.
Manchester City Council Leader, Councillor Bev Craig, said: “Black History Month is a vital moment to honour the legacy, resilience and achievements of Black communities across the UK. This year’s theme, ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride,’ celebrates the strength and cultural richness that continue to shape our city.
“In Manchester, a city with deep roots in activism and diversity, this month offers a powerful opportunity to reflect, educate and uplift. But always shows us that working together is key to what makes Manchester what it is today. From the Pan-African Congress of 1945 to today’s vibrant Black creative scene, Manchester stands as a beacon of progress, pride and power.”
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Race Lead and Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “Every year, I’m proud to welcome Black History Month to Manchester. Our city and the very streets we walk down are enriched in a deep history of racial struggle, but also resilience and pride.
“As someone with Nigerian heritage, my grandfather taught me to be proud of where I come from and to be bold with celebrating my roots and culture. I hope to see the Black diaspora doing just that throughout October by joining in the events we have throughout the city that makes truly standing in power and pride a safe space for us all.”