David Zuber, Author at • Page 6 of 10

Independent Historian

David Zuber is a retired high school counselor and principal. He earned a Master’s Degree from the Centre of West African Studies at the University of Birmingham, England and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. He has authored two books Behind the Mask: The British Cotton Growing Association 1902-1923 and An American Indian’s Encounter with the 1930s Judicial System. He resides near his birthplace in northern California.

Hassan Gouled Aptidon (1916-2006)

Hassan Gouled Aptidon was the first President of Djibouti. He was born to Issa nomads at Garissa near the port of Zeila in French Somaliland on October 15, 1916. At the age of 14, he left home and traveled to Djibouti the largest city in … Read MoreHassan Gouled Aptidon (1916-2006)

King Idris (1889/90-1983)

Muhammed Idris as-Senussi was born on March 12, 1889, or 1890 in Al Jaghbub in Cyrenaica (a province of the Ottoman Empire in today’s Libya). His parents were Muhammed al-Mahdi as-Senussi and Aisha bint Muqarrib al-Barasa. Idris was the grandson of the founder and chief … Read MoreKing Idris (1889/90-1983)

Ahmed Abdallah (1919-1989)

The first president of the Comoro Islands was Ahmed Abdallah. He was born on June 12, 1919 at Dimoni on the island of Anjouan in the Comoro archipelago. The Comoro Islands consist of four major islands located in the Indian Ocean. In 1843 the French … Read MoreAhmed Abdallah (1919-1989)

Dawda Kairaba Jawara (1924-2019)

Dawda (David) Jawara was the first Head of State of independent Gambia. He was born on May 16, 1924, at Barajally, MacCarthy Island, The Gambia (then a colony of Great Britain). His parents were Mamma Fatty and Almami Jawara, a prominent trader in the colony. … Read MoreDawda Kairaba Jawara (1924-2019)

Léon M’ba (1902-1967)

Gabriel Léon M’ba was the first President of Gabon. He was born in Libreville, Gabon, French Equatorial Africa on February 9, 1902, and was a member of the dominant Fang ethnic group. Both of his parents had some western education. His father was a small … Read MoreLéon M’ba (1902-1967)

Francisco Macias Nguema (1924-1979)

Francisco Macias Nguema was the first president of Equatorial Guinea. He was born on January 1, 1924 in the village of Nfengha, Equatorial Guinea then a Spanish colony. His father was a traditional healer. As a youngster Nguema attended Catholic schools. As a young man … Read MoreFrancisco Macias Nguema (1924-1979)

David Dacko (1930-2003)

David Dacko was the first President of the Central African Republic. Dacko was born on March 24, 1930, at Bouchia, Moyen Congo, then part of French Equatorial Africa. He attended primary school in Mbaiki and Bambare and secondary school at the Ecole Normale of Mouyoundzi. … Read MoreDavid Dacko (1930-2003)

Fulbert Youlou (1917-1972)

Fulbert Youlou was the first President of the Republic of Congo, also known as Congo Brazzaville. Youlou was born on July 9, 1917, at Mandibu, a town near Brazzaville, capital of the French Congo which was part of French Equatorial Africa. As a young boy, … Read MoreFulbert Youlou (1917-1972)

Sylvanus Olympio (1902-1963)

Sylvanus Olympio was the first president of Togo and also served as prime minister. He was born on September 6, 1902, in Lome, Togoland, then a German colony. Olympio’s grandfather had emigrated from Brazil in the mid-19th century. Young Sylvanus was one of 30 children. … Read MoreSylvanus Olympio (1902-1963)

Milton Augustus Margai (1895-1964)

Milton Augustus Margai was the first prime minister of independent Sierra Leone. Margai was born on December 7, 1895, in Gbangbatoka, Sierra Leone, the eldest of 18 children. His father, M.E.S. Margai was a prominent businessman. Young Milton was the grandson of a famous Mende … Read MoreMilton Augustus Margai (1895-1964)