France Abrogates Black Code: 'My Ancestors Are No Longer Furniture,' Says Author Tania de Montaigne

France has officially abrogated the Black Code, a collection of historical texts that legally defined a segment of humanity as property. The decision, enacted on May 28, symbolically dismantles a legal framework that persisted for centuries.

Author Tania de Montaigne, whose work highlights the pervasive influence of this history, stated that the abrogation signifies a crucial step in acknowledging France's past. She argues that the history embedded in the Black Code is not separate from the nation's narrative but is deeply interwoven with it. "This history is not that of Black people; it is the history of France. And we have both feet in it," de Montaigne has written.

The Black Code, first enacted in 1685, established strict rules for the treatment of enslaved people in French colonies. It codified laws regarding slavery, defining enslaved individuals as movable property and outlining punishments for perceived transgressions. Its abrogation represents a formal rejection of these dehumanizing principles.

While the legal text is now abolished, its legacy continues to influence discussions about race, history, and national identity in France. The move is seen by many as a necessary acknowledgment of historical injustices and a step toward a more inclusive understanding of French history.