Legacies of Africa's Icons: Patrice Lumumba

"The Republic of the Congo has been proclaimed, and our country is now in the hands of its own children. Together, my brothers, my sisters, we are going to begin a new struggle, a sublime struggle, which will lead our country to peace, prosperity, and greatness. Together, we are going to establish social justice and make sure everyone has just remuneration for his labor. We are going to show the world what the black man can do when he works in freedom, and we are going to make of the Congo the center of the sun's radiance for all of Africa. "

These were the words of Patrice Lumumba on the day that his country won its independence from Belgium - its colonial master for more than seventy years. These words invoke a feeling of pride, determination and most of all, hope. This was a man who had a passion for his country. This was a man devoted to his people. Indeed, he saw the departure of the Belgians from Congo as the perfect opportunity for the people of Congo to show the rest of the world that they could build a strong country.

What drove this man? What values did he hold dear? What was his life like? What inspired such a deep sense of love and dedication to his country? Why did he die? What circumstances surrounded his untimely death? Why did he die so young and so soon? These are some of the questions that come to mind when we read the story of Lumumba. This essay looks at the short life of Patrice Lumumba and his great achievements. It looks at his ideas, his dreams for the Congo, his love and determination to see a united country, and his legacy after his death. It follows his passion for Africa and his dreams and ideas that continue to drive and inspire African youth and leaders alike.

This is the Legacy of Patrice Lumumba.
Patrice Emery Lumumba was born in the village of Onalua in Kasai province, Belgian Congo in July 2, 1925. He was a member of the Batetela tribe which is one of the smallest tribes in the Congo. Despite the fact that he only got grade school education at a protestant mission school, Lumumba strove to ensure that he improved his education and he did not let his lack of an education hold him back.