A bridge between worlds
Discover the profound philosophy that fuels my deep respect and love for France, even as a proud African. Explore the values of mixed heritage, tolerance, and unapologetic self-love that guide my journey.
France, I will forever hold deep gratitude for your embrace, for the respect and honor you have bestowed upon my family’s legacy. Our African stories are intricately woven into the tapestry of French history, a beautiful testament to the power of connection and understanding that transcends cultures.
I dedicate this series of books to my son, so he may grasp the roots from which he springs and navigate the path ahead. It is vital for him to know who we are as a family, even as we are scattered across the globe. He must dive deep into the kaleidoscope of my heritage—Senegalese, French, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean—a Creole spirit yearning to define itself, to unravel the myriad layers of my identity.
And in this mosaic, I hope he adds his own hues: American and Nigerian. I wish for him to break free from the confines of societal boxes that seek to restrain him, to embrace the fullness of his being without limitations.
I pray that life grants him the opportunities to be, somewhat like me, a true citizen of the world, vibrant and rich with tolerance, colors and flavors.
For me, Paris has been a sanctuary, a refuge for my parents. In 1980, my father fled Senegal as a political refugee, seeking asylum from a tumultuous past filled with false accusations aimed at tarnishing his character to takeover his wealth. The French government welcomed him with open arms, offering a new beginning. He transitioned from a distinguished lawyer, notary, and high UN representative to wandering the streets of Paris as an invisible man. Yet it was here, in this city of lights, that the true journey of love and resilience began to unfold.
Family Tree
The one we call, "Lion!" My great grand father. Basile Diogoye Senghor (pronounced: Basile Jogoy Senghor), was a wealthy peanut merchant belonging to the "bourgoisie" of the Serer people. Basile Senghor was said to be a man of great means and owned thousands of cattle and vast lands, some of which were given to him by his cousin the king of Sine. (Senegal, Africa)
My grand father René Senghor, my grand mother Hélène, my father Hyacinthe, my aunts Marie-Thérèse and Adèle.
My grand father's little brother, my grand uncle, the one I call "the patriarch", the " Bonus" grand father Leopold Sédar Senghor
My father...My hero
He taught his children to celebrate African identity, culture, and values, promoting a sense of pride and self-worth. Our family fights against inferiority complexes and embraces authenticity.
Senghor's Philosophy
When I think of Francophonie, my mind inevitably turns to Léopold Sédar Senghor, the patriarch of our family, who embodies this concept so profoundly. For him, Francophonie was more than just a linguistic connection; it represented one of his deepest ambitions: the emergence of an "integral humanism." He understood that his French education and his Senegalese roots were like opposite sides of a coin. In this intricate dance of identities, he sought the common ground that unites us all. By highlighting what connects us rather than what sets us apart, he charted a path that resonates with the universal.
Exploring the power of mixed heritage and the importance of tolerance in building a harmonious world. Senghor's philosophy emphasizes the beauty of cultural exchange and the rejection of racism in all its forms. Embracing the idea of being true to yourself, unapologetically.
He is, without a doubt, the very soul of Francophonie. His life reflects a rich cocktail of identity, his principles emerge from his profound thoughts, and his poetry reveals the essence of his being. We owe it to him to write "Francophonie" with a capital F, a testament to the significance he ascribed to this cultural bond. He envisioned a world where dialogue and understanding could prevail.
Indeed, the essence of Francophonie is encapsulated in Senghor's vision. He was acutely aware that his dual identity—French and Senegalese—was a fertile ground for seeking out what we share. He taught us to appreciate the cultural and philosophical ties that bind us together.
Language, as he illustrated, transcends mere communication; it carries with it a wealth of references that may often go unnoticed, yet they nurture the emergence of a common culture. Francophonie is not just a linguistic phenomenon; it is a shared culture among Francophones that forms a vital part of our identities, varying in significance from one person to another.
He recognized that his Senegalese heritage and West African culture enriched the French language with vibrant new hues. In return, the French language opened doors for Senghor and many others to embrace humanist thought. It wasn’t merely his ambition that made French humanism universal; it was the spreading of the French language that allowed him to connect with the world at large.
In honoring him, I celebrate the legacy of Francophonie—a rich, living culture that continues to inspire us to find beauty and unity in diversity.
Senghor's vision for a pluralistic society was one of harmony rather than division. He envisioned a future where diverse cultures coexist in mutual respect and open dialogue. His experiences during wartime profoundly influenced his writings, shaping a perspective that called for a more inclusive and democratic French society.
In his work, he delves into the intricate relationship between Africa and Europe, reframing it not as one of oppressor and oppressed, but as a partnership in a shared, pluralistic world. He believed in the power of cross-cultural dialogue to foster love, respect, understanding and collaboration.
At the heart of his philosophy is a celebration of African identity infused with the French one. He sought to reevaluate and honor the richness of African culture, history, and identity—elements that had often been marginalized during the colonial period. His work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of Black civilization.
As a co-founder of the Négritude movement, Senghor played a pivotal role in affirming Black identity and the significance of Black culture. This intellectual and artistic response to colonialism sought to uplift and celebrate African heritage often dismissed or devalued, with his own writings forming a cornerstone of this endeavor.
In essence, "la pensée senghorienne" embodies his philosophy as a central figure in the Négritude movement. It is rooted in affirming African cultural identity and value, advocating for a society that embraces pluralism. His thought highlights the unique contributions of Black civilization while envisioning a future rich in cross-cultural dialogue and a genuine relationship between Blacks and Whites.
A legacy for all
Senghor’s vision resonates with French language learners, philosophy enthusiasts, travelers, avid readers, lovers of French history and literature, political thinkers, and advocates for human rights. Discover how his ideas inspire freedom fighters and egalitarians worldwide.