An Exposition of Senghor’s Negritude as an Aspect of Ubuntu Philosophy

Abstract

Leopold Sédar Senghor, a Senegalese poet, philosopher, and statesman, introduced Negritude in the 1930s to affirm the cultural, historical, and philosophical richness of Black identity. Negritude celebrates the value of Blackness, countering Western colonial narratives that marginalized African humanity. It seeks to restore an African cultural identity disrupted
by historical oppression. Ubuntu, a cornerstone of African philosophy, underscores the interconnectedness, solidarity, and collective humanity that define existence. This paper exposes Senghor’s Negritude as an expression of Ubuntu philosophy, arguing that its emphasis on cultural pride and collective identity reflects Ubuntu’s principles of community
and shared humanity. Through a critical analysis of Senghor’s ideas, the study reveals how Negritude extends beyond a celebration of Blackness to embody Ubuntu’s vision of interconnected African humanism. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of African humanism, cultural identity, and the interconnectedness of African philosophical
thought. By exploring the philosophy of Negritude and Ubuntu, the paper concludes that we can uncover new perspectives on the rich cultural heritage and philosophical traditions of Africa.