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MARTINIQUE CELEBRATES AIME CESAIRE CENTENNIAL
Special events planned in 2013 to remember the good life of Martinique's famed poet and politician, who have contributed to enrich the Caribbean culture, Aimé Césaire.
NEW YORK, NY (February 4th, 2013) – The life and timelessworks and contributions of famed poet, playwright and politician, Aimé Césaire, is being celebrated in French Caribbean Martinique, his homeland. 2013 is the centennial anniversary of his birth. Césaire, who passed in April 2008 at the age of 94, is hailed as a principal crusader for civil rights within the French West Indies, both through his writings and in politics, as he was elected mayor for 55 long in Fort-de-France.
"Papa Césaire represents hope, equality, love and respect – the best of the human condition – not just for citizens of Martinique, but for people all over the world," said Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau /CMT USA. "His writings, teachings and enduring leadership continue to inspire the French-speaking world on the same level as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X in the United States. In this, the centennial year of his birth, we are proud to celebrate Césaire's legacy, keeping his message alive for future generations."
Born in Basse-Pointe, Martinique in 1913, Césaire moved to Paris in 1931 on an educational scholarship. It was there that he created the literary review L'Étudiant Noir (The Black Student). This would serve as the forerunner to "la negritude," the artistic and cultural movement founded by Césaire to encourage black youths to maintain a positive racial identity. In 1939 he returned to Martinique and was elected Mayor of Fort-de-France in 1945, a post he held through 2001, except for a brief period in 1983-84.
In recognition of his great contributions to Martinique and French society, Martinique's International Airport was renamed Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport in his honor in January 2007.
For schedules and more information on Césaire Centennial events, visit www.martinique.org. (External link)
About Martinique (www.martinique.org)
The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – by any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. It was named "Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining" in 2009 by Caribbean Travel + Life, and "Best Caribbean Destination" (2010) by About.com. The bay of Fort-de-France, the capital city, is among the most beautiful bays of the world. Martinique is an overseas region of France that stirs the passions with distinctive culinary delights, awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, warm smiles and so much more. Napoleon's bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised in Martinique. The Majestic Mt. Pelée volcano and St. Pierre, The Pompeii of the Caribbean, are found here. Martinique also offers a dynamic art scene and a wide array of local products. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c'est magnifique!
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