Frenchman Apologizes for Ancestors' Role in Slave Trade
Frenchman Pierre Gijon de Prens today apologized for his ancestors' role in the slave trade, adding that he hopes others, including the French government, will follow his example.
TL;DR
- Pierre Gijon de Prens apologized for his ancestors' involvement in the slave trade.
- His ancestors were shipowners in Nantes and owned plantations in the Caribbean, transporting around 4,500 African slaves.
- De Prens called for other French families and the government to acknowledge their historical ties to slavery and consider reparations.
- He stated his desire to confront this past due to rising racism.
- The apology was made in Nantes ahead of the inauguration of a memorial.
- De Prens is working with Diedonne Boutrin, a descendant of enslaved people from Martinique, in an association dedicated to ending the 'silence about slavery'.
- Boutrin praised de Prens' apology as a brave act.
- France officially recognized transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001 but has not formally apologized.
- Calls for reparations, ranging from apologies to financial compensation, are increasing globally, despite some criticism.