The term ‘la Négresse’ in Biarritz has ignited legal and social debates following a court ruling that requires the area to be renamed. Mayor Maider Arosteguy plans to contest this decision, while Karfa Diallo of Mémoires et Partages hails the ruling as a step towards racial justice. Reactions among locals vary, with some defending the name’s historical significance and others acknowledging its negative connotations. The origins of the name remain contested, reflecting deeper community divisions.
Controversy Surrounding ‘La Négresse’ Neighborhood in Biarritz
The term ‘la Négresse’ has sparked significant debate in the courts, yet it remains a prevalent sight in the neighborhood of Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques). A recent report from TF1 highlights the ongoing discussion, particularly following a ruling from the Bordeaux administrative court of appeal that mandates the municipality to rename this area within a three-month timeframe. The mayor of Biarritz, Maider Arosteguy, has expressed her intention to challenge this decision, stating, “We will certainly pursue every legal avenue available, including potentially appealing to the Council of State.” She emphasized her belief that the name should not be solely interpreted as a racist or derogatory term.
A Historic Victory for Racial Justice
Karfa Diallo, the founder of the Bordeaux-based association Mémoires et Partages, views the recent court ruling as a momentous victory. After being dismissed in an earlier hearing on December 21, 2023, Diallo remarked, “This is a historic decision! It is long overdue. For over a century, a black woman has been unjustly marginalized in the public discourse of Biarritz.” The court echoed his sentiments, asserting that “regardless of the name’s history, ‘La Négresse’ today carries derogatory connotations that could diminish an individual’s dignity.”
Local reactions to the ruling vary considerably. A young resident acknowledged that visitors unfamiliar with the region might find the name shocking. In contrast, a retiree dismissed the ruling as “a complete aberration,” arguing that the name has always been part of the community’s identity. Eddy Fluet, who took over ‘le Garage de la Négresse’ from his mother-in-law, shared his perspective: “When I purchased the business, the name didn’t bother me at all. I have no intention of changing it,” he affirmed.
The discussion surrounding the name’s origins remains unresolved. Some locals attribute it to a nickname given by Napoleonic soldiers to a local innkeeper in the early 1800s. However, historian Jean-Loup Ménochet disputes this claim, citing a lack of evidence for the existence of a black woman in Biarritz during the 19th century. He explains, “‘Lanegresse,’ written as one word, translates to ‘clay heath’ in Gascon, which accurately describes the land on which we stand. Historically, this area was home to quarries, brickworks, tile factories, and potters.” This perspective may serve as a foundation for the town hall’s future arguments in this ongoing debate.