Students of the World: Global 1968 and Decolonization in the Congo

On June 30, 1960, Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba gave a speech about shifting away from colonial oppression toward sovereignty, dignity, and justice. A few months later, he was assassinated, showing how neocolonial forces and the Cold War jeopardized African movements for liberation. Pedro Monaville's book explores a generation of Congolese student activists who sought to decolonize university campuses and articulate a trajectory of radicalization shaped by gender constructions, cosmopolitan dispositions, and the influence of dissident popular culture. He charts new ways of writing histories of the global 1960s from Africa.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

On June 30, 1960, a historic day marked by the Congo's independence, Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba delivered a passionate speech that reverberated across the nation. In this speech, he envisioned a transformative shift away from a past of colonial oppression towards a future of sovereignty, dignity, and justice for the Congolese people. However, the tragic assassination of Lumumba a few months later served as a stark reminder of the immense challenges faced by African movements for liberation.

In his book, Students of the World: Decolonizing University Campuses in the Congo, Pedro Monaville delves into the stories of a generation of Congolese student activists who refused to let Lumumba's vision fade away. These students embarked on a mission to decolonize university campuses, recognizing the importance of education as a tool for social change. However, their emancipatory projects extended far beyond the realm of higher education. Monaville explores the complex modes of being and thinking that shaped these students' politics, highlighting the role of gender constructions, cosmopolitan dispositions, and the influence of a dissident popular culture in shaping their activism.

Through his meticulous research, Monaville charts a trajectory of radicalization among Congolese students during the decolonization era. He sheds light on the many worlds inhabited by these students, showcasing the diverse experiences and perspectives they brought to the struggle for liberation. By illuminating these worlds, Monaville offers new insights into the history of the global 1960s from an African perspective, challenging traditional narratives and providing a more inclusive understanding of this pivotal period.

Students of the World is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Congolese students in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of education as a catalyst for social change and the transformative power of collective action. Monaville's book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of decolonization and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in Africa and beyond.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478015758