The Pan-Africanism of W. E. B. Du Bois
W. E. B. Du Bois's commitment to the Pan-African movement is argued to be linked to his commitment to eradicate racism, colonialism, & all structures of exploitation. Du Bois has been credited with founding the Pan-African movement in the 20th century, & his long involvement with movement organizations, coupled with his many written pieces on Pan-Africanism, make him a central figure in this movement. His consistent theme, from his attendance at the Pan-African Assoc's conference in 1900, through many Pan-African Congresses, was his commitment to democracy & self-rule. The growth of the Pan-African Congress from its beginnings in WWI through the period of decolonization is charted, with specific references to Du Bois's influence. George Padmore & Kwame Nkrumah are identified as the bearers of Du Bois's legacy to the momentous Fifth Pan-African Congress in 1945, & to Africa as new states were formed. H. von Rautenfeld