Ten years ago to the day, the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery was inaugurated on Quai de la Fosse in Nantes. It is the only place of remembrance in mainland France devoted to the Atlantic slave trade, slavery and its abolition. Its place in the City of the Dukes is no accident. It solemnly recalls the role of the city as the first slave port in the 18th century. More than 1.6 million visitors have walked freely since it opened, not to mention some 60,000 students with their class, estimates the city of Nantes.
Both a “political and artistic” monument, this memorial, commissioned by former mayor Jean-Marc Ayrault (PS), was designed by visual artist Krzysztof Wodiczko and architect Julian Bonder. The stone of the old Loire quay mixes with wood and raw concrete. Some 2,000 engraved glass plates give historical and geographical information on past and modern slavery, in particular on the slave trade. France had in fact organized no less than 4,000 slave expeditions between the 17th and 19th centuries, including 1714 from Nantes.
Exhibitions, screenings, debates to mark the occasion
To accompany the anniversary of the Memorial, then the national commemoration day of May 10, the city of Nantes, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and associative actors are offering a cultural programming to “raise awareness among the general public and not just researchers and scientists,” says Olivier Chateau, deputy mayor in charge of heritage. The year 2022 also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the association memory rings.
The activities announced are varied. At the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a “highlight” entitled ” People first » offers various exhibitions and screenings of shows. On May 10, the film “I’m not your negro” by Raoul Peck, released in 2016, will be screened at the cinema. Two shows are also confirmed: May 11 and 14, respectively at the Espace Cosmopolis, rue Scribe, and at the Château. Other activities are planned until June. The objective is also to evoke contemporary subjects. “Today, forced labor persists, racism also which means that the work is not finished. We can send a message with young people, ”says the deputy mayor.