On October 15, participants in the 1983 March for Equality gathered in Marseille to commemorate an event that left an indelible mark on France's history of integration and the battle against
discrimination.
In the early hours of that day, a gentle breeze seemed to carry memories of the past, a poignant reminder of the commitment to a just cause. At the Palais du Pharo in Marseilles on Sunday, October 15, nearly 300 individuals hailing from diverse neighborhoods in the city converged to express their gratitude and admiration for these unsung heroes. They were there to honor and celebrate the legacy of the March for Equality and Against Racism.
On October 15, 1983, eight youngsters from Les Minguettes, an underprivileged housing estate near Lyon, alongside a priest, a pastor, and other activists, embarked on a remarkable journey from Marseille to Paris. Covering over 1,200 kilometers, their mission was to denounce police brutality, prejudice against others, and to convey a simple yet profound message: "We're not asking for the moon; we're asking for the right to live." Their message resonated deeply. On December 3, the marchers were greeted by a crowd of 100,000 in the French capital and were received by President François Mitterrand at the Elysée Palace.
Even after four decades, the memories of this historic odyssey remain vivid for those who participated. On this day dedicated to commemorating the march, nearly all of the key figures were present, from the original instigators like Djamel Atallah and Father Christian Delorme to the steadfast companions who embarked on this transformative journey. Hanifa Taguelmint, a 61-year-old participant, reflected, "It's all coming back."
Inspirational words were then shared by Benoît Payan, the left-wing Mayor of Marseille. He spoke passionately about "the march of the oppressed" and emphatically declared, "Today, I want to assert that the Republic can no longer tolerate the incubation of racism, anti-Semitism, hatred of Muslims, and discrimination." He concluded his address by announcing that Marseille would soon have "an avenue dedicated to the March for Equality and Against Racism," further cementing the march's enduring significance in the ongoing quest for a more equitable society. Photo by La «Marche pour l’égalité et contre le racisme» de 1983, via Wikimedia Commons.
