Duse Mohamad Ali, a prominent figure in African history, was a man of many talents and accomplishments. Born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1866, Ali was the son of an Egyptian father and a Sudanese mother. His early life was marked by tragedy, as both his father and brother were killed during the Urabi Uprising and the British Bombardment of Alexandria. This pivotal event shaped Ali’s future and set him on a path of activism and journalism that would leave a lasting impact on the African diaspora.
Ali’s education took him to England at a young age, where he studied under the tutelage of Captain Duse of the French Army. Despite his promising academic pursuits, Ali discontinued his studies at the age of fifteen and returned to Egypt following the death of his family members. It was during this tumultuous period that Ali’s resilience and determination began to emerge.
Ali’s foray into the world of acting in England marked the beginning of a successful twenty-four-year career. However, he faced numerous challenges due to typecasting and the limited opportunities available to actors of his background. Despite these obstacles, Ali became the only English-speaking actor from the Middle East performing in English theater at the time.
Following his acting career, Ali turned his attention to journalism and politics, becoming a freelance journalist and advocating for African and Asian interests. His travels to various parts of the world, including India, China, the Caribbean, and the United States, broadened his understanding of global affairs and fueled his passion for challenging imperialism.
In 1912, Ali made history by launching the African Times and Orient Review, the first newspaper in England owned and published by a black person. Through this platform, he forged connections with influential black intellectuals such as Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, Alain Locke, and Marcus M. Garvey. His collaboration with Garvey led to his involvement in the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), where he served as the foreign secretary and head of African Affairs.
Ali’s contributions to journalism extended beyond England, as he later relocated to Nigeria and founded The Comet in 1933. The newspaper quickly gained prominence and became one of the top publications in Nigeria at the time, with a circulation of 4,000. Ali’s dedication to providing a voice for the African community through journalism was unwavering, and The Comet served as a testament to his commitment to empowering African voices.
In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Ali also authored several publications, including his first book titled In the Land of the Pharaohs: A Short History of Egypt From the Fall of Ismail Pasha to the Assassination of Boutros Pasha. His writings provided valuable insights into the history and socio-political landscape of Egypt, further solidifying his reputation as a respected scholar and intellectual.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks in his business ventures, Ali’s impact on African journalism and activism remained undeniable. His legacy lives on through the trailblazing work he accomplished during his lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on the history of African nationalism and journalism.
Duse Mohamad Ali’s journey came to an end in 1945 when he passed away in Lagos, Nigeria. His contributions to journalism, activism, and African intellectualism continue to inspire generations of individuals dedicated to advocating for social justice and equality. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we honor Duse Mohamad Ali’s enduring commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and challenging systems of oppression.