Patrice Émery Lumumba, born Elias Okitasombo on July 2, 1925, in Onalua, emerged as a charismatic anti-colonialist political leader in the Congo. He became the first Prime Minister of independent Congo on June 30, 1960, but was ousted from power and assassinated on January 17, 1961. Lumumba's struggle against colonialism and his powerful independence speech gained international recognition, contributing to his mythic status. His writings and political thought have inspired generations of African and global anti-imperialist intellectuals and activists, including Aimé Césaire. Despite controversies, Lumumba remains a symbol of the fight against domination and injustice in Africa.