Lumumba at 100 was a graduate student-led initiative commemorating the 100th anniversary of Patrice Lumumba’s, honoring his life and legacy. The conference focused on Congo's colonial history, Lumumba’s leadership, and the region's ongoing struggles, with a particular emphasis on how these issues connect to contemporary global challenges such as resource extraction and political instability. The event featured lectures from leading scholars, including Prof. Didier Gondola and Prof. Pedro Monaville, and discussions with Prof. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja. An interactive workshop allowed graduate students and early-career scholars to engage with senior African Studies scholars for feedback. The program also included a screening of Soundtrack to a Coup d’État (Johan Grimonprez, 2024), followed by a moderated discussion,. This cross-disciplinary conference sought to illuminate the past and engage with present issues, while underscoring the value of African Studies in today's academic landscape.
Media coverage of the event is available here:
