Next was L’An Cinq de la Revolution Algerienne” (1959), literally “The Fifth Year of the Algerian Revolution,” was published as “A Dying Colonialism” in 1967. In it, Fanon called for armed resistance to French occupation, as a colonial power, and he described how the Algerians re-embraced some of their ancient cultural patterns that were derided by their oppressors, in order to add fervor and justify their resistance. By that time, he had become a “marked man” and several attempts were made on his life.

His final work was “Pour la Revolution Africaine” published/

translated “Toward the African Revolution” was Fanon’s endearing manifesto to all oppressed peoples on the innate psychology of their condition and the way to empowerment necessary for their liberation and ultimately their survival. It crystallized all his former literary works in essays and letters, and summed them up as a lasting legacy.

A prolific writer who lived a “short” 36 years, Fanon left a body of literary work, unmatched by his contemporaries, that serves as a guiding light of revolutionary ideals. It is amazing that he found time for a family. Fanon married Josie Duble in 1952 and they had one son. While traveling during his final years, he developed leukemia. Following treatment in Moscow, he returned to Tunisia—where he had been living—and there he finished “The Wretched of the Earth” which was also published after his death. He spent his final days at a military hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, where he died on December 6, 1961, reportedly under an assumed name.

“Legends” is the brainchild of Danny J. Bakewell Sr., executive publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel. Every week it will highlight the accomplishments of African Americans and Africans.

Published in : News, Legends

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