The Memorial to the Victims of Slavery moves to the Trocadero Gardens

The recent announcement of the establishment ofa national memorial to the victims of slavery in the Trocadero gardens underscores a significant memorial initiative. Confirmed on September 20, 2023, this initiative calls for the creation of a monument bearing the names of 200,000 slaves freed in 1848. The choice of location is not insignificant: situated near the Eiffel Tower, this site was also the scene of the proclamation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man in 1948, and is home to the Musée de l'Homme, a place dedicated to education against racism.

This project, initially mentioned by President Emmanuel Macron on April 27, 2018, during the 170th anniversary of the signing of the decree abolishing slavery in the French colonies, is finally coming to fruition. Its purpose is to pay tribute not only to the 200,000 freed slaves, but also to the four million slaves in the former French colonies and, more globally, to the millions of victims of the slave trade and slavery around the world.

To bring this memorial to life, a competitive bidding process will be launched in association with the City of Paris. The aim is to invite artists and landscape architects to propose designs that will honor the memory of these individuals with dignity.

Here are the key components of this project:

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• The inscription of the 200,000 names of freed slaves: a respectful way of commemorating and celebrating their access to freedom.
• The creation of a memorial garden: providing a space for contemplation, reflection and education.
• Digital educational initiatives: aimed at raising awareness, particularly among young people, of this dark episode in history.
  

With the decision on the monument's location now taken, the steering committee will now turn its attention to the form and execution of the work. If the timetable is adhered to, delivery of the memorial is scheduled for May 2025.

The memorial represents a profound commitment to the recognition and celebration of the struggle for freedom. The monument, in the heart of the French capital, will represent a place of universal homage and an educational tool for future generations. It also embodies the close collaboration between the French State, the City of Paris and the various players involved in transmitting this crucial memory.

In this way, the project will serve as a reminder of past suffering, while paying solemn tribute to resilience and newfound freedom. It is an open invitation to reflect on the fundamental values of respect and humanity, while valuing the collective history and legacy of the struggle for justice and equality.