lopold sdar senghor

Lopold Sdar Senghor (October 9, 1906–December 20, 2001) was an Seneglese poet and politician who served as the first president of Senegal (1960–1980). He also started his own party, called the Senegalese Democratic Bloc. His poetry was widely acclaimed, and he was the first African to be asked to join the Acadmie franaise in 1983. He wrote the lyrics of the national anthem of Senegal: Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons. While in France, became friends with Aim Csaire and Georges Pompidou (future President of France). With Aim Csaire and Lon Damas, Senghor created the concept of Ngritude, an important philosophical movement that sought to distance African culture from European influences. Senghor's tenure as president was characterized by the development of African socialism, which was created as an indigenous alternative to Marxism. On December 31, 1980, he retired in favor of his prime minister, Abdou Diouf. The airport of Dakar, Dakar-Yoff-Lopold Sdar Senghor International Airport, is named after him.

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