Born: 1749 (Paris, France)
Died: 1834
Biography:
Marie-Thérèse Lucidor Corbin (1749–1834) was an 18th-century French Creole activist who made significant contributions to the abolition of slavery in the French colonies. Born on August 3, 1749, in Paris, France, Marie-Thérèse was the second daughter of Andre Lucidor, a former slave from Martinique, and Thérèse-Charlotte Richard, a white Frenchwoman. Her parents’ interracial marriage was prohibited in Martinique, leading them to settle in France.
Marie-Thérèse’s early life was marked by hardship and poverty. She worked as a linen maid and struggled to make ends meet. In 1786, she married Jean-François Corbin, a wine merchant. However, her marriage was short-lived, as her husband abandoned her in 1789. Marie-Thérèse and her older sister, Louise, found themselves living in poverty in Paris.
In 1791, Marie-Thérèse and Louise faced further challenges when they were excluded from the ‘Fraternal Society of the Two Sexes’ due to their involvement in protests that were seen as a threat to public order. Louise, unable to cope with the difficulties, attempted suicide and was later confined to Charenton asylum.
Marie-Thérèse’s life took a dramatic turn in November 1792 when she was arrested and accused of being involved in the theft of the French crown jewels from the Garde Meuble. However, she claimed that she had been instructed by the Interior Minister, Jean-Marie Roland de la Platière, and the Mayor of Paris, Jérôme Pétion de Villeneuve, to find the thieves. This claim led to her release.
In February 1793, Marie-Thérèse petitioned the National Convention to clear her name, explaining that her association with the thieves had caused her to lose her apartment and custody of her children. Despite her efforts, the convention did not provide a resolution to her situation.
The turning point in Marie-Thérèse’s life came with the Law of 4 February 1794, which abolished slavery in all French colonies. Inspired by this momentous event, she delivered an impassioned speech at the Temple of Reason at Notre-Dame, proclaiming the arrival of Liberty, Equality and the end of slavery. In her speech, she paid tribute to Marat and Ogée, two key figures in the abolitionist movement.
To further express her commitment to the cause, Marie-Thérèse composed and sang a hymn to the colored citizens set to the tune of La Marseillaise. The hymn celebrated the freedom of the country from the shameful irons of slavery and called for unity in defending liberty and equality.
In 1795, Marie-Thérèse published a lengthy text on national education in the French colonies, demonstrating her deep understanding of the issues faced by these colonies, particularly Saint-Domingue. It is believed that she may have received assistance from prominent abolitionists such as Julien Raimond or Léger-Félicité Sonthonax during the writing process.
Marie-Thérèse Lucidor Corbin’s activism played a significant role in the abolition of slavery in the French colonies. Her speeches and hymns served as powerful reminders of the fight for freedom and equality. Through her dedication, she contributed to shaping the narrative of the abolitionist movement and left a lasting impact on society.