Manchester reveals Black History Month anniversary programme

Throughout October, Manchester will host a series of events dedicated to celebrating and spotlighting the voices, stories, and achievements of African and Caribbean communities as the city marks the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress.

Held in 1945, the landmark event was a pivotal moment for anti-colonial movements in both Manchester and Africa. Amongst the special events revealed by Manchester City Council, 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.

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, visitors can see vibrant showcases of African-Caribbean inspired music, dance, poetry and community discussion, and the Caribbean and African Health Network will celebrate ‘Black Champions’ at this year’s Gala and Awards ceremony.

Manchester Black History Month events

• 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 more at the Aviva Studios: Factory International, (Fri 3 October) 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 (Sat 4 Oct) 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 (Sat 4 Oct) Free entry.

• Award-winning journalist Professor Gary Younge explores the 80th anniversary of the Manchester Pan-African Congress at the People’s History Museum (Fri 17 Oct) Book here.

• Immersive exhibition about the Pan-African Congress at Portico Library (Mon 22 Sep – Wed 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 (Wed 29 Oct) Tickets available.

• The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and Trust are running a reflective talk about the  80th anniversary of the Pan-African Congress with journalist Gary Younge and poet Shirley May at the Central Library (Mon 3 Nov). Tickets available.

• Families can participate in Craft Club inspired by the Power and Pride theme at Powerhouse Library, every Thursday until the end of October.

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.”