Blaise Diagne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blaise Diagne
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Blaise Diagne in 1921.
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| Born | 13 October 1872 Gorée, French Senegal
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| Died | 11 May 1934 (aged 61) Cambo-les-Bains, French Basque Country
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| Nationality | French |
Blaise Diagne (born October 13, 1872 – died May 11, 1934) was an important political leader from Senegal and France. He became the mayor of Dakar, a major city in Senegal. He made history as the first black African to be elected to the French Chamber of Deputies, which is like the French parliament. He was also the first black African to hold a position in the French government.
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Early Life and Career
Blaise Diagne was born on Gorée Island. His father was from the Lebu people of Senegal, and his mother was from the Manjack people of Guinea-Bissau. When he was a child, a mixed-race Christian family adopted him and named him Blaise.
He went to school in France. In 1892, he started working for the French customs service. This job took him to many different places. He worked in places like Benin, the Republic of the Congo, Réunion, Madagascar, and French Guiana.
Political Achievements
In 1914, Blaise Diagne was elected to the Chamber of Deputies of France. This was a very big deal because he was the first black African to achieve this. He represented the people from the Four Communes in Senegal. He was re-elected many times and served until he passed away in 1934.
Helping During the Plague
Soon after he was elected in 1914, a serious outbreak of plague hit Dakar. Blaise Diagne played a key role in getting the government to help. His actions were very important in dealing with this health crisis.
Gaining Citizenship for Africans
In 1916, Diagne convinced the French parliament to pass a special law. This law, often called the "Blaise Diagne Law," gave full French citizenship to all residents of the Four Communes in Senegal. These cities were Dakar, Gorée, Saint-Louis, and Rufisque. This was a huge step forward for the rights of Africans living under French rule. It was part of France's idea of a "civilizing mission."
Role in World War I
During World War I, Diagne was a main person in recruiting soldiers for the French army. Thousands of black West Africans joined the fight. They served bravely on the Western Front for France.
Later Government Roles
After the war, Diagne took on more government jobs. From 1918 to 1920, he oversaw military and other workers from France's African colonies. In 1930, he represented France at the International Labor Office. He also served as a junior cabinet member for the Colonies from 1931 to 1932. From 1920 until his death in 1934, he was the mayor of Dakar.
His Legacy
Blaise Diagne was a pioneer in African politics. He believed in equal rights for everyone, no matter their race. He encouraged Africans to work with French rule and adopt French culture.
While he was ahead of his time in 1914, by the end of his life, many other African leaders started to focus on African nationalism and independence from colonial powers. Some people, like the African-American historian W. E. B. Du Bois, felt that Diagne focused too much on being French.
A large street in Dakar, called Avenue Blaise Diagne, is named after him. A high school, Lycée Blaise Diagne, also carries his name. Senegal's new international airport, Blaise Diagne International Airport, is named in his honor as well.
His Family's Legacy
His son, Raoul Diagne, was the first black man to play professional football in France. Raoul had a very successful career in the late 1930s. He won the French title in 1936 and the French cup multiple times.
Blaise Diagne's grandson, also named Blaise, was born in Paris in 1954. He became the mayor of the French village of Lourmarin in 2001 and was re-elected in 2008.
Images for kids
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Blaise Diagne in 1921.
