Sample Answer

Negritude was a cultural and political movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily among Black intellectuals from French-speaking Africa and the Caribbean. It aimed to celebrate and affirm Black identity and culture, rejecting the colonialist and Eurocentric values that had dominated the region. Negritude symbolized a reclamation of African heritage and a rejection of the notion of racial inferiority. The Negritude movement played a significant role in inspiring African independence movements, as it provided a sense of collective identity and purpose. While the Harlem Renaissance did not directly influence Negritude, there were certainly cross-pollination and shared ideas between the two movements, as both sought to uplift Black culture and challenge racial stereotypes. Senghor’s poem “Night of Sine” exemplifies Negritude through its celebration of African spirituality,