Friends, if you missed this wonderful event co-sponsored by The Center for Applied Liberal Arts (CALA) and NYU Africa House, you can watch it here: Un-Erasing Dulcie September Event Recording
Dulcie September, the ANC Representative for France, Luxembourg, and Switzerland was assassinated in Paris in March 1988 during the French Presidential Campaign.
33 years after her assassination, French Advocate Yves Laurin, acting on behalf of Dulcie September’s family, took action to re-open the case. The documentary, Murder in Paris is being submitted as evidence in support of the case.
In this event that took place on November 8, Leonard Cortana reflects on the transnational memorialization of Dulcie September and the collaboration of several actors and media makers in a call for justice. He will be joined by South African filmmaker Enver Samuel who released the film Murder in Paris on the South African broadcast station SABC on Human Rights Day last March and Nicola Arendse, Dulcie’s niece. Along with September’s family, his team has launched an impact campaign to advocate for the re-opening of the case in the French courts. Verne Harris will discuss the collaboration of the Nelson Mandela Foundation in advocating for Dulcie’s case and his work on South Africa’s apartheid archival landscape.
Many thanks to the panelists who participated from South Africa despite rolling blackouts!
Enver Samuel – Director of Murder in Paris
Nicola Arendse – niece of Dulcie September
Verne Harris, Head of Leadership and Knowledge Development, Nelson Mandela Foundation
Thanks also to Leonard Cortana – NYU Africa House & NYU SPS CALA for moderating.
“The cost of erasing Dulcie September and others like her, is not only the billions that could have been spent on a society in dire need. It is also the opportunity to accurately understand the past in order to improve the future. And, of course, justice.”
– Rasmus Bitsch & Kelly-Eve Koopman, The Erasure of Dulcie September, Africa is a Country.
Dulcie September’s life is a reminder to current day South Africa that the purpose of all the sacrifices and past struggles were not in vain and that a just South Africa is possible. Her story inspires those who strive for democracy and social justice, shining a light on a selfless unsung hero. Her story is the story of many activists around the world today, taking a stand against corruption and injustice.
While many struggling heroes are remembered and revered, Dulcie’s memory is all but erased beyond those who knew her. The Murder in Paris impact campaign seeks to redress this wrong and place Dulcie next to the great names that fought for a free and just South Africa.
On 29 March 1988 Dulcie September was brutally murdered in Paris. To date nobody has been found guilty. The case in France was closed after 4 years. This was a miscarriage of justice. Sign the petition here asking the Minister for Justice in France to re-open the murder investigation of Dulcie September: Justice For Dulcie
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On November 17 Leonard Cortana will be teaching a single-session course on Black voter suppression. For information and to enroll click: The Fight Against Black Voter Suppression