French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal laid a wreath in front of the statue of Clarisse, a former slave and nurse freed in 1793 by Haitian artist Woodly Caymitte, also known as Filipo, during a ceremony commemorating the abolition of slavery in La Rochelle, France, on May 10, 2024. Attal presided over the ceremony, announcing a “major national exhibition” in 2026 and praising the “spirit of resistance” of former slaves. He emphasized that the history of slavery is part of the world, Europe, and France’s history, and acknowledged that for too long, this past has been ignored.
The event in La Rochelle marked the first time the annual commemoration of the abolition of slavery took place outside of Paris. Prior to the ceremony, a statue of Clarisse by Haitian artist Filipo was unveiled on Aimé-Césaire avenue, named after a slave purchased in Saint-Domingue and freed by the city council in 1793. Attal expressed his desire for a national exhibition on the memory of slavery to be held in 2026, the 25th anniversary of the law recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity. He also announced the creation of a specific label for slavery memorial sites requested by local governments.
Attal stressed the importance of facing history and promoting education about slavery. He highlighted the need for people to learn about and understand the places where the history of slavery unfolded as they walk through streets and cities. The Prime Minister was joined by Education Minister Nicole Belloubet, emphasizing the government’s commitment to continue the battle for education in order to raise awareness about the history and impact of slavery.
The ceremony in La Rochelle was a somber reminder of the atrocities of slavery and the importance of recognizing and understanding this dark chapter of history. Attal’s speech highlighted the resilience and resistance of those who were enslaved, underscoring the need to commemorate their struggle and honor their memory. The unveiling of Clarisse’s statue and the announcement of future initiatives to preserve the memory of slavery are significant steps towards acknowledging and educating future generations about this important part of France’s past.
As France grapples with its history of slavery and colonization, the government’s efforts to commemorate this painful past through exhibitions and memorial sites are crucial in fostering dialogue and understanding. The creation of a specific label for slavery memorial sites will help raise awareness and ensure that the memory of those who suffered under slavery is preserved for future generations. The Prime Minister’s commitment to education and facing history head-on reflects a broader societal shift towards acknowledging and understanding the legacy of slavery and its impact on contemporary society.
