An evening devoted to AimÈ CÈsaire began with only a few people in attendance. The famous poet, playwright, politician and human rights activist was remembered at the Alliance FranÁaise Pyramid on Wednesday for his contributions to black history.

Born on June 26, 1913 this truly extraordinary black man made a mark that will not soon be forgotten. At the age of 18 he left his homeland, Basse Pointe (Shallow Point) north of Martinique, to expand his horizons. He was educated at LycÈe Louis-le-Grand in Paris where he studied politics on a scholarship. Four years later he entered the elite Ecole normale supÈrieure; there he created a student publication L’…tudiant Noir (The Black Student) which served as a forerunner for the Negritude—a literary and political movement developed in the 1930’s to address the issues of blackness and racism of that era. The legendary activist passed away Thursday, June 17, 2008 at the age of 94.

Three men and women sat on a panel at the Pyramid to conduct the informal tribute. Mc Donald Dixon began the evening with his translated version of one of AimÈ CÈsaire’s first famous pieces, ‘The Notebook of a Return to My Native Land’ which he titled ‘Caye-Diary of a Homecoming.’ After which Louise Hamel recited two of her favourite poems in French. Suddenly, almost an hour into the night a crowd of people rushed into the room, as Jacques Compton gave a recollection of his first encounter with CÈsaire and rendered one of his favourites.

Armelle Chatelier read her poem in French. Gandolf St Clair reflected on his studies of CÈsaire. He was followed by Jacqueline Atherly who gave an impressive and quite dramatic reading of one of CÈsaire’s poems in French which commanded the audience’s attention and left them giggling at the use of repetition of the phrase, "C’est un tres bon negre."

The evening ended with a viewing of one of three informative documentaries, titled "A Vigilant Island." It begins with an eruption of a volcano, denoting the anger felt by colonized people. Conveying that like a volcano we must not fall asleep into a sort of acceptance and resignation but face the challenges of history and of nature. It then highlighted CÈsaire’s steps in reforming Martinique as Mayor of Fort De France in 1945. It teaches CÈsaire’s use of the theatre as a means of expression and a wider avenue to convey his message.

"Poetry is like a man alone with himself and the theatre shows things and helps to understand them. It seemed to me to be the form best adapted to the new situation I was experiencing. The incredible event of de-colonization in the 1960’s," CÈsaire said in one his interviews. "It was very important to me and to us all to understand ourselves. Through the theatre man projects and sees himself.

To see oneself, understand and come to terms with oneself; that was the importance of the theatrical approach." His first drama focused poem was titled "Chiens." In 1968 he released "Une Tempest" which illustrated his attitude towards colonization and urges black people to accept responsibility and refrain from being a shadow. By empowering ourselves individually we become a stronger people collectively. Two documentaries will be viewed on May 15, 2008 at the Pyramid at 6pm. It promises to be another interesting evening.

Caption: On May 15, two documentaries on French poet AimÈ CÈsaire will be viewed at the Pyramid. (Autographed photograph courtesy John R Lee).