Kuzituka Did’ho, Jean-Marie2021-10-212021Jean-Marie Kuzituka Did’ho (2021) In Memory of Patrice Emery Lumumba: His Speech at the Proclamation of the DRC’s Independence—A Systematic Reflection, International Journal of African Renaissance Studies - Multi-, Inter- and Transdisciplinarity, 16:1, 52-63, DOI: 10.1080/18186874.2021.1957694.1818-6874 (print)1753-7274 (online)10.1080/18186874.2021.1957694http://hdl.handle.net/2263/82211The improvised speech of Patrice Emery Lumumba on June 30, 1960, the day the Democratic Republic of Congo gained its independence from Belgium, was criticised by Western media as being unwise and ungrateful towards the so-called civilising mission of Belgium in the Congo. Yet it was acclaimed by many Pan-Africanists and black power movements. In this article, the author systematically observes, reflects on, and analyses the speech. The author finds that it is a life-giving and hope-filled speech that called for a restoration of dignity and respect to black Congolese who suffered decades of oppression and exploitation at the hands of the colonial power.en© Unisa Press 2021. This is an electronic version of an article published in International Journal of African Renaissance Studies, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 52-63, 2021. doi : 10.1080/18186874.2021.1957694. International Journal of African Renaissance Studies is available online at : http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rars20.Patrice Emery Lumumba (1925-1961)Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)King Leopold IIBelgiumColonisationSystematic theologyBlack theologyPan-AfricanismTheology articles SDG-01SDG-01: No povertyTheology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationTheology articles SDG-05SDG-05: Gender equalityTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsPostprint Article