The Année Senghor

[FiveParadox]

The International Organization of the Francophonie has declared this year to be the Année Senghor, in honour of the late Léopold Senghor, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal, for his work in assisting in the founding of the Francophonie and to take note of his contributions to the world of literature, on the centenary of his birth.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Governor General of Canada, in the company of the head of the Université de Montréal, Luc Vinet, His Worship Bertrand Delanoë, the Mayor of Paris and the Président de l'Association internationale des maires francophones, and His Worship Gérald Tremblay, the Mayor of Montréal, is to inaugurate the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Square at a ceremony.

Click here to read the entire statement in English.
Cliquetez içi pour lire le communiqué entier en français.

:?: Sources
1. Click here for the Web site of the Governor General of Canada.

 

[FiveParadox]

Today, at the inauguration of the Léopold-Sédor-Senghor Square, Her Excellency delivered a speech in relation to the life and legacy of late Mr. Senghor. The Governor General's speech highlighted, as has been a theme throughout her mandate as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada for these few short months, the need for the people of Canada to preserve their own cultures, while being strong as a nation and working together toward a shared, common good.

Her Excellency the Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean[/color], C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.,]This year, Léopold Sédar Senghor would have been 100 years old. Last year, we commemorated the 50th anniversary of Aimé Césaire's Discourse on Colonialism which caused a scandal at the time. Senghor and Césaire. Two brothers in language, heart and mind. Two key figures in world literature. Two men who embraced their negritude. Two men who built a bridge between Africa and the Americas. Two men, one battle. Committed to fighting racism, oppression, domination. For freedom, for justice, for dialogue.

Click here to read the entire speech in English.
Cliquetez içi pour lire la parole entière en français.

:arrow: My Opinion Re: Senghor and the Francophonie

I adored this speech, just as much as the other speeches and Her Excellency has graced us with. She has quite a way with words! In terms of the substance of the speech, I think I agree with pretty much everything Her Excellency mentioned; I would suggest that the Governor General's notion of multiculturalism — amidst unity of the nation — is an inspiring idea, and should be cultivated and developed by the population and the Government of Canada. I must admit, that I had known very little about the Francophonie and Mr. Senghor, before having read into this subject.

:?: Sources
1. Click here for the Web site of the Governor General of Canada.