Date: 1998
Paris, France
The official speeches made by the political elites make no mention of the reparations paid to the former slave masters and focus on the Republic as a benevolent abolitionist exemplified by Victor Schœlcher. In contrast, the 'Marche du 23 mai' results in a petition with over 10,000 signatures calling for the French state to recognize slavery as a crime against humanity. Alongside Glissant, Chamoiseau and Soyinka's earlier calls, this event lies at the roots of the 2001 Taubira law.