Born in Bordeaux, French West African Poet David Diop wrote poetry that reflected hope of an Africa free of colonial rulers, and in support of African Independence.
In his Poem ‘Africa my Africa,’ we can depict his pain, his struggle for understanding, and his yearning for the freedom of black slaves.
Africa, my Africa
Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa
Is this you, this back that is bent
This back that breaks
Under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty.
Integr8.Africa 
one of my best poems so far
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Thank you Chinenye, it’s one of ours too!
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can you please tell me what it meant
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I like it
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I never really understoo the deepness of this poem when we treated in in junior secondary school. Not until my exposure to negritude
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though i have read it but don’t really get the concept please can someone help me?
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I love this poemmmmm
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This is what i’m looking for
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I love this poem so much, but did not understand it then its weight and pride and an African
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