YOUNG ROOTS Project - history, discussion, research and media

YOUNG ROOTS Project – history, discussion, research and media

Overview

The Young Roots set of activities are at the heart of the project, working with young people to develop their education and understanding not only of the PAC in 1945 but also how it relates to their lives today. This was delivered using talks, discussions, visits to museums and other heritage agencies, conference participation, workshops, and creative media. It began with strong involvement and partnership by both the young people and First Cut in the 70th anniversary commemoration conference.

Scope, Purpose and Activities

The PAC45 Young Roots project provided an educational and inspiring opportunity for 15-20 young people, primarily of Afro-Caribbean heritage, in deprived inner city Manchester. The heritage focus of the project is researching the 1945 5th Pan African Congress (PAC) held in Manchester and making connections with world events today, as discussed at the PAC45 Conference in Manchester in October 2015.

The 1945 conference addressed issues such as ‘The Colour Problem in Britain’; ‘Imperialism in North and West Africa’; ‘Oppression in South Africa’; ‘The Problems in the Caribbean’; and ‘Women in the West Indies’. Although the situations have moved on, many of the themes are still vitally important today.

The young people were supported to research these themes, focusing on key individuals from the 1945 and 2015 conferences.

The project reflects on the struggles faced by the participants of the 1945 Pan African Congress: racism, discrimination, colonialism and imperialism. The project reflects on how those struggles were overcome and the young people at the centre of the project will be able to draw inspiration directly from the participants of the PAC45 event.

Audiences will be engaged with the heritage of the 1945 PAC through contemporary multi-media. The interpretation of heritage and the audience experience will be greatly enhanced using social media and online creative techniques. Young people in particular will be better able to hear the lessons of the past as they relate to their needs and interests today.

The young people conducted interviews and received audio-visual production, post production and online publishing training. They played a key role in producing a 1 hr documentary programme, web pages and social media, using Youtube, Facebook and Twitter.

The young people will use the knowledge and skills they gain to become heritage advocates; making heritage more accessible and relevant to the needs and interests of online audiences.