Prominent African Philosopher to Discuss the "Barack Obama Phenomenon" at Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – Fabien Eboussi Boulaga, one of the most prominent African philosophers, will give a lecture titled “Barack Obama: A phony/funny name that sells Africa very well?” on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. in the Levis Browsing Room, Dinand Library at the College of the Holy Cross.

Eboussi Boulaga will discuss how Africans identify with Obama, and how to interpret the phenomenon, as well as learn from it. He will also discuss African perception of Obama, and how Africans “wrongly” or “rightly” consider him “one of theirs” because of his name, color, and origin. According to Eboussi Boulaga Obama “sells” Africa very well, because it's impossible from whatever angle you look at him to not think of Africa.

Eboussi Boulaga, who lives in Cameroon, Africa, has published numerous books including Muntu in crisis (1977), African Authenticity and Philosophy (1977), Christianity without Fetishes (1982), Lines of resistance (1999), Democracy transiting in Cameroon (1997); and has written more than 30 articles in philosophy, political science, and socio-anthropology. He has previously taught at over 10 post-secondary schools in Africa, Europe and North America. He is currently the director of Terroirs, a journal of philosophy and social science, which he founded over 20 years ago.