Negritude

Negritude is a cultural and literary movement that emerged in the 1930s among Francophone Black intellectuals, primarily in Africa and the Caribbean. It celebrated Black identity, culture, and heritage in response to colonialism and racism. Leaders like Aimé Césaire, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and Léon Damas emphasized the value of African traditions, emotional depth, and solidarity among people of African descent. Negritude sought to reclaim pride in Blackness, countering stereotypes and advocating for a shared cultural identity that honors the richness of African history and experiences. It played a key role in shaping post-colonial thought and cultural identity.