Thursday 15 October marks 75 years since the start of the 1945 Manchester Pan-African Congress; it lasted until the 21st October that year.

Many will be familiar with the significant text by Hakim Adi (now Professor of History) and Marika Sherwood: The 1945 Manchester Pan-African Congress Revisited published by New Beacon Books in 1995.

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is hosting PAC@75: Pan African Congress 75th Anniversary Celebrations from tomorrow 15 October until Sunday 18 October.

Please see the following statement by Professor Gus John in response to an article/interview published in The Guardian last Thursday 8.10.20.

Co-producers Lucy Hannah and Speaking Volumes bring you another film from Your Local Arena. Vintage 20th century documentary from the BBC's Arena series, Caribbean Journey features acclaimed poet and winner of the 2020 PEN Pinter Prize, Linton Kwesi Johnson. With 21st century responses from SuAndi, Karen McCarthy Woolf, Ashleigh Nugent and Levi Tafari, poetry from Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné and Vladamir Lucien, reflections from Olive Senior and a reading by Colin Grant!

Last night at the British Library Linton Kwesi Johnson accepted the 2020 PEN Pinter Prize and delivered an address which was interspersed with readings of some of his most memorable and resonant poems. Click on the following link to watch this special event:

https://www.blplayer.co.uk/eventlink/28/2Voy8h3IEnjNmNaKYIRlXf096JDoiAJJltuw3mpl3DPsbli8bsb9EBDiGLId

Earlier this year the GPI collaborated with Lucy Hannah and Speaking Volumes on a Your Local Arena film.
Now in their most recent offering, you can again enjoy more vintage documentary and 21st century responses through film, poetry and a writing masterclass.
With a mix of academics, authors, poets and producers check out Caribbean Nights: Calypso, Carnival and Steel Pan and Three Kings of Calypso. Screening from 10am Tuesday 6 October 2020 to 10pm Saturday 10 October 2020.

Tonight on BBC Four at 9pm: Black Classical Music - The Forgotten History 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000n18w

Shirley Thompson - a good friend of the GPI - will be one of the featured composers!