Thomas Sankara Postcard

Description

Thomas Sankara Postcard

Gouache and linoprint on paper.
Format A6, 250g/m2.
Open edition, signed and numbered.
Carved and printed by hand with love and respect.

Thomas Sankara, born on December 21, 1949, in Yako, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), was a revolutionary leader, visionary thinker, and champion of African self-reliance whose impact on the continent continues to resonate today. As the president of Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987, Sankara implemented bold policies aimed at transforming the country and empowering its people.

Thomas Sankara’s rise to power came through a military coup in 1983, which he saw as an opportunity to break free from the legacy of colonialism and imperialism. Inspired by socialist and pan-Africanist ideals, he launched a series of ambitious programs to promote economic independence, social justice, and gender equality.

Under Sankara’s leadership, Burkina Faso underwent radical transformations, including land reforms to benefit small farmers, mass vaccination campaigns, and initiatives to combat corruption and bureaucracy. He also prioritized education and healthcare, spearheading literacy campaigns and building clinics and schools across the country.

Despite his short time in power, Thomas Sankara’s impact was profound, earning him the nickname “Africa’s Che Guevara.” His uncompromising stance against Western influence and his commitment to grassroots empowerment inspired movements for change across the continent. Though his life was tragically cut short by a coup orchestrated by his former ally Blaise Compaoré, Sankara’s legacy as a visionary leader and symbol of African liberation and self-determination remains an inspiration to generations of Africans and activists worldwide.