Born: 1985
Biography:
Assa Traoré (born 1985) is a French-Malian activist and leader of the Truth and Justice for Adama Committee. The committee is named after her half-brother, Adama Traoré, who died in police custody. The circumstances surrounding Adama’s death are disputed. An autopsy raised in court indicated that he may have suffered from asphyxiation after his arrest, which was admitted by one of the Gendarmes who held him. Since Adama’s death, Assa Traoré has been tirelessly working to challenge the institutions of France, rallying activists from black neighborhoods and engaging medical experts to uncover the truth behind her brother’s death.
Born in January 1985 to a polygamous family, Assa Traoré grew up with 17 siblings and half-siblings in Beaumont-sur-Oise. Her father, Mara-Siré Traoré, had immigrated from Mali at 17 and later married four wives before passing away from lung cancer in 1999. Despite the criticism of polygamy in French society, Assa Traoré had a comfortable upbringing and credits her father for providing for their large family.
Traoré’s journey as an activist took an important turn after the death of her brother in 2016. On July 19, Adama Traoré died while in the custody of the French gendarmerie. The events leading up to his death are shrouded in controversy. Adama, who was cycling with his brother Bagui on a birthday outing, was approached by the police who intended to frisk them. Adama, not having his identity card on him and allegedly fearing the consequences of another recent arrest, ran away. The police gave chase, capturing and losing him multiple times, ultimately resulting in his tragic demise.
This incident served as a catalyst for Assa Traoré’s activism career. Leaving her job as a special education teacher, she dedicated herself full-time to seeking justice for her brother. Assa Traoré played a pivotal role in not only advocating for Adama’s case but also highlighting the systemic issues of racism and police violence that impact black communities in France. She organized mass protests, engaging activists and experts in the fight for truth and justice.
Assa Traoré’s relentless efforts gained international recognition, particularly following the global Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. She participated in the Marche pour Adama (March for Adama) and called for the prosecution of the gendarmerie involved in her brother’s death. In recognition of her profound impact and dedication to the Black Lives Matter movement, Assa Traoré received the BET’s Global Good Honouree Award. Furthermore, Time magazine named her one of the Guardians of the Year in 2020, further solidifying her position as an influential and powerful voice in the fight against racial injustice.
Assa Traoré’s work and activism continue to inspire countless individuals around the world. Through her relentless pursuit of justice and her unwavering commitment to ending systemic racism, she has become a symbol of hope and resilience. Assa Traoré’s efforts have brought attention to the critical issues faced by black communities in France, leaving an indelible mark on society. Her unwavering determination and dedication to the pursuit of justice make her a remarkable figure in women’s history and an inspirational leader in the fight for equality and social change.
Awards:
– BET’s Global Good Honouree Award
– Time magazine’s Guardians of the Year (2020)