PARIS — The Centre Pompidou in Paris is organizing a three-day event dedicated to examining the impact and legacy of the 1983 March for Equality and Against Racism, a march that began in Marseilles with 12 young children of immigrants and culminated in Paris with over 100,000 demonstrators.

Africa News Agency, the event aims to facilitate dialogue between the pioneers of the march and younger generations, while also shedding light on the continuing challenges of racism in France today.

The 1983 March for Equality and Against Racism, also known as the "March of the Beurs" by the media, marked a significant moment for immigrants in France when it culminated in a meeting with then French President François Mitterrand. This led to new rights for immigrants and is often referred to as "the May 68 of the children of immigrants."

Diallo, who initiated the event, previously collaborated with Mathieu Potte-Bonneville, director of the Culture and Creation Department at the Centre Pompidou. Their program will cover a wide range of topics, including the role of women, police violence, media coverage, and anti-racist mobilization, among others.

Rokhaya Diallo explains that the event is primarily a commemorative occasion aimed at ensuring that "memory will help us face the challenges of the present." The timing of this event coincides sadly with recent events, most notably the death of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk during a police check, which has led to revolts among the youth in France.

Diallo also notes that after the initial 1983 march, there was a shift towards a more depoliticized anti-racist movement, particularly with the creation of SOS Racisme, which received significant media attention but deviated from grassroots concerns. She argues for a more inclusive and nuanced approach to anti-racism that accounts for the particular histories and struggles of different groups.

The event, titled "Ouvrir la marche: 1983-2023: 40 ans de lutte contre le racisme," will take place from November 10 to November 12, 2023 at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. For those interested in participating, more information can be found on the Centre Pompidou's website.