Andrée Blouin, born to a French father and a mother from the Central African Republic, Eve Blouin, reflects on the concept of dying twice in her mother’s autobiography. She recounts her mother’s impactful role in the fight for a free Africa during the 1950s and 60s, working alongside key figures like Patrice Lumumba and Kwame Nkrumah. Despite her significant contributions, Andrée Blouin’s story remains largely unknown. In an effort to shed light on her legacy, her memoir, My Country, Africa: Autobiography of the Black Pasionaria, is being re-released after decades of being out of print. Blouin’s journey towards decolonization was ignited by a personal tragedy involving the loss of her son due to colonial discrimination. Her upbringing in French colonies and her experiences in an orphanage for mixed-race children shaped her perspective on colonialism and fueled her activism. Blouin’s determination and passion led her to participate in liberation movements across Africa, advocating for independence and empowerment. Her impactful presence in post-colonial Africa left a lasting legacy, despite her story remaining largely untold. Andrée Blouin, near the border with Angola in Kahemba, paused her campaign to assist Angolan independence fighters fleeing from Portuguese colonial authorities. She addressed crowds of women, advocating for gender equality and Congo’s independence, showcasing her organizational and strategic skills. Blouin’s work gained international attention, with accusations ranging from being Nkrumah’s mistress to being a courtesan of African chiefs of state. She met Lumumba, whom she described as a “lithe and elegant” man. When Congo gained independence in 1960, Lumumba appointed Blouin as his chief of protocol and speechwriter, leading to them being named “Lumum-Blouin” by the press. The pair faced numerous challenges, including army revolts and foreign intervention, before Lumumba was assassinated in 1961. Blouin, living in exile in Paris, faced personal tragedies but remained involved in pan-Africanism. She passed away in 1986, leaving a mixed legacy and inspiring some with her dedication to Africa’s freedom. En la capital de la República Democrática del Congo, Kinshasa, un centro cultural llamado Blouin ofrece programas educativos, conferencias y proyecciones de películas, todo ello respaldado por una ética panafricana.
Y a través de Mi País, África, la extraordinaria historia de Blouin se está lanzando por segunda vez, esta vez en un mundo que muestra un mayor interés en las contribuciones históricas de las mujeres.
Los nuevos lectores aprenderán sobre la niña que pasó de ser escondida por el sistema colonial, a luchar por la libertad de millones de africanos negros.
Mi País, África: Autobiografía de la Black Pasionaria, publicado por Verso Books, sale a la venta el 7 de enero en el Reino Unido
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