Above: Fort de France (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the towering figures of Martinique’s history will be the subject of a new tribute by the Toni Morrison Society.

The society will be placing a “Bench by the Road” in Fort de France to honour the 100th anniversary of the birth of Aime Cesaire, who served as mayor of Fort de France for more than five decades and inspired generations in the fight against colonialism and racial stereotypes.

The “Bench by the Road” is one of a series of benches placed by the Toni Morrison Society to honour individuals, places or events “of great importance in the history of Black people who are part of the African Diaspora.”

The project was launched in 2006 on the 75th anniversary of Morrison’s birthday. The society has thus far placed nine benches across the continent, including one to honour French freedom fighter Louis Delgres in Guadeloupe.

“Everyone in Martinique is looking forward to the inauguration of the bench by the road dedicated to Aimé Césaire.” said Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau /CMT USA. “It is truly a great honour.”