Thomas Sankara, beloved leader of Burkina Faso for four years, passed away on October 15, 1987 at the age of 37. Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara was born on December 21, 1949 in Yako, French Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso). He was a Burkinabé military captain, Marxist revolutionary, pan-Africanist, and the President of Burkina Faso from 1984 to 1987. Thomas Sankara was recognized for several revolutionary policies he promoted during his short term as President. While in office, he rejected the influence of foreign aid and global financial institutions, opposed corruption and cronyism, and instituted a wide array of progressive and revolutionary initiatives. Sankara is widely admired for his efforts in changing traditional attitudes towards women, raising literacy rates, and promoting a culture of self-sufficiency. He was tragically assassinated on October 15, 1987. He is survived by his wife Mariam Sankara, and their three children. Thomas Sankara's legacy will continue to be celebrated in Burkina Faso and throughout the African continent.