Silent march in Paris

In April and May 1998, the French state organizes a series of events to commemorate the 1848 abolition of slavery in France. In response, over one hundred associations, mostly from the overseas departments, organize a silent march in Paris on 23 May 1998 to honour the memory of those who were enslaved.

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.