Man of Destiny

This biography of Léopold Sédar Senghor is about a man who saw beauty and goodness in all people. He believed strongly that one culture could learn from another and be richer for the experience. Senghor was born in 1906 in Joal, a small town in Senegal. He later led the fight for his nation’s freedom and independence. A world renowned philosopher, teacher, poet and statesman, he became the first President of modern Senegal. President Senghor is known through- out the world as a man of peace and a promoter of the arts. He has been named an “immortal” by the French Academy. Senghor’s many writings about African pride and unity led to the creation of a philosophy known as “Negritude.” This philosophy or spirit taught that people of African descent throughout the world should take pride in their heritage and cultural roots. President Senghor resigned in 1980 after many years of working to build Senegal. He taught people all over the world to respect Africa and to learn from each other.