The immediate-term aims of the Pan African Movement Network (PAMN) are to create an ‘interactive, digital plaque’ to tell the story of how Manchester spearheaded the decolonisation of Africa.
Our plans for an interactive digital plaque
There is a plaque which commemorates the 1945 Pan-African Congress held there at what was once the Town Hall for Chorlton-on-Medlock, now a part of Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
The current plaque is an analogue installation on the façade of the Grosvenor East Building, erected in the early 2000s. In the digital age, a plaque is needed that tells the story of Pan-Africanism and decolonisation. Furthermore, a refreshed plaque would increase public knowledge, interest and engagement with the space and its history.
A group of people have formed an ‘Oversight Committee’ which represents the key committed Pan-African thinkers, historians and educators in Manchester from the past few decades. The late Kath Locke was one of those, who unfortunately is no longer with us but we know that she would have wanted to see this development in action.
The Plaque as a symbol of Decolonisation.
The Oversight Committee have gradually evolved, broadening our remit and strengthening our identity. We are now operating as the Pan African Movement Network (PAMN) and aim to become an incorporated organisation fairly soon. Our immediate endeavour remains to create an interactive, digital plaque in partnership with MMU that tells the story of the steps taken in Manchester that spearheaded the decolonisation of the African continent.
Defects of the current plaque:
- A lack of visibility of the plaque, which is situated behind a pillar of the building’s façade and placed far above eye level.
- An error in the plaque’s content: ‘conference’ instead of ‘congress’.
- There is little to no signage indicating the plaque’s presence in the wider public realm.
Unless people are aware of the site’s history and the plaque, they may not notice.
There are limited opportunities for the public, researchers, pupils, and students to engage with this piece of history about the 5th PAC and its legacy. A permanent installation is currently in place in the foyer of the Grosvenor East building, on the glass foyer wall. It is only noticeable once one has entered through the vestibule and looked back at the wall. The intention is to broaden its scope and present its history to all visitors.
Progress and partners
To date there have been significant meetings, proposals and discussions between the Oversight Committee and MMU, we will report on the updates from those in due course. Architectural plans provided by MMU in response to our discussions involve re-siting a new plaque in a position without a pillar blocking its view, and creating an interactive digital installation in the area within the building immediately as you enter through the doors adjacent to the plaque. Progress is very positive, and additional proposals are also in development towards an expanded vision of the original concept.
The Oversight Committee’s own remit has gradually progressed to encompass a wider set of developments for associated educative and cultural activity, which will be reflected here in due course and which has resulted in our transition to the Pan African Movement Network.
Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester City Council are partnering with us to develop the project proposals and activities.
Additional partners so far include:
- West Indian Organisations Coordinating Committee at Carmoor Road
- School of Digital Arts (SODA)
- Nana Bonsu Pan-African Reference Library
- First Cut Media
- National Black Arts Alliance
- Crossing Footprints CIC
- Afro-Caribbean Community Friends Association
The University of Manchester has also been in discussions and expressed support.
Discussions about a programme of wider engagement work in partnership with the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust, and with Manchester Histories, are also in progress.