1940 - Léopold Sédar Senghor Arrested by the Nazis

Léopold Sédar Senghor was captured by German forces on June 20, 1940, near La Charité-sur-Loire during the Battle of France. Some historical records suggest he may have been captured in Villabon, a village approximately 30 kilometers west of La Charité. Wikipedia

Following his capture, Senghor was interned in several prisoner-of-war camps designated for colonial troops, including Frontstalag 230 in Poitiers. During his captivity, he endured harsh conditions and racial discrimination. He later recounted that German soldiers considered executing him and other Black prisoners upon arrival, but they avoided this fate by proclaiming \”Vive la France, vive l’Afrique noire!\” (\”Long live France, long live Black Africa!\”). A French officer intervened, persuading the Germans that such an act would dishonor the Aryan race and the German army. Wikipedia

Senghor spent approximately two years in captivity, during which he composed poetry reflecting on his experiences. These works were later published in his 1948 collection Hosties noires (Black Hosts). He was released in early 1942 due to health reasons. Smithsonian Libraries