Sembène, Ousmane b. January 1, 1923 d. June 9, 2007 Filmmaker, Author. Born in Ziguinchor, Senegal, he is considered the "Father of African film." After fighting in the Second World War, Sembene settled in Paris, where he began his literary career. He published several works about racism and the hard conditions of immigrant workers. His most famous novel was "Les Bouts de Bois de Dieu" ("God's Bits of Wood"). In 1960 Sembene returned to Senegal and became a pioneering filmmaker. His credits include "La Noire de..." (1966), which earned him the...[Read More] (Bio by: José L Bernabé Tronchoni) Cimetière Musulman de Yoff, Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
Senghor, Leopold Sedar b. October 9, 1906 d. December 20, 2001 Writer and politician. Senghor served as the president of Senegal from 1960 to 1980. Having achieving major success as a poet, politician, and intellectual, Senghor had a unique identity among African leaders. His development from tribal member in Senegal, to scholar in France, to head of the government back in Senegal made him a symbol of Africa's shift from colonial domination to self- determination. (Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett) Bel-Air Cemetery, Dakar, Senegal
b. January 1, 1923 d. June 9, 2007