The concept of African unity was first put forward by H.S. Williams. He formed an organization while in London, called as ‘African Association’ (later called as Pan-African Association).
He organised its first conference in 1900. W.E.B. Du Bois, an American sociologist of African origin was present at this conference.
In 1919, the second conference of African leaders and thinkers was held in Paris, known as the ‘Pan-African Congress’.
Thereafter, W.E.B. Du Bois and his associates called a series of Pan-African Congress at various places. This resulted in the idea of Pan-African unity taking deep roots in Africa.
The 5th Pan-African Congress was held at Manchester in 1945 by people of African origin living in Manchester.