French President, François Hollande and his successor Emmanuel Macron, were at the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris this Wednesday morning for the annual ceremonial of the commemoration of slavery’s abolition.
During his last presidential speech before Emmanuel Macron’s takeover, Francois Hollande mentioned the GPI (Group of Public Interest) that will work on creating a Foundation for the Commemoration of Slavery.
« I made a promise to everyone who wanted that foundation. Today, I am proud that this foundation could exist. »
The President mentioned « 5 qualified people » – which entrepreneur and cultural activist Olivier Laouchez, CEO, Chairman and co-founder of TRACE – who will assist Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the creation of this foundation.
François Hollande named, « Doudou Diène, ex-manager of « La Route de l’Esclave », Oliviez Laouchez, President of a media group, Leïla Sy, director, Françoise Vergès and Lionel Zinsou whom I thank for working on this mission. »
Watch the Replay of the ceremonial in the video here-after. François Hollande talks about the Foundation at 01:05:20.
More about the Foundation for the Commemoration of Slavery here.