Lyon, January 25, 2024 –

After facing a delay in its opening toward the end of the previous year, Sarraounia Space officially welcomed visitors today, January 25, 2024. The inauguration ceremony, characterized by a vibrant showcase of African culture and resilience, drew over a hundred participants eager to experience the unveiling of the space and the commencement of an exhibition slated to run until August.

Michel Cartaterguy, President of the Association of the Crossroads of African Cultures and former Archbishop of Niamey-Niger, delivered an impassioned speech to kickstart the proceedings. His words set the stage for an evening dedicated to honoring the life, struggles, and symbolism of Queen Sarraounia, while also highlighting the importance of her legacy within the cultural space.

In his keynote address, Michel C, representing the Association of African Cultures, warmly welcomed attendees to the organization’s new premises, the successors to Lyon’s African Museum. Established in 1927, the museum had amassed a valuable collection of artifacts from West Africa. Despite its recent restructuring in 2017, the fervor for African culture endured.

In 2018, the Association of African Cultures emerged, continuing the museum’s original mission: to champion African cultural diversity and facilitate intercultural dialogue. The Sarraounia space, comprising a library and a multipurpose room, epitomizes this commitment. The inclusion of a “palaver tree,” symbolizing traditional gathering spaces, reflects the spirit of inclusivity and knowledge-sharing ingrained in the association.

The association’s initiatives aim to bridge communities, emphasizing the importance of coexistence in a world striving for unity. The inaugural exhibition, “Treasures from Elsewhere,” offers a poignant exploration of exile through objects, mirroring the richness and complexity of migration experiences.

In her address, the godmother, of the Association, Marie-Rose Abomo-Maurin, renowned author and retired teacher, underscored the significance of Queen Sarraounia’s legacy. Through her narrative, she celebrated Sarraounia’s defiance against colonial forces, highlighting her role as a beacon of resistance and a symbol of gender equality in African societies.

Rose’s tribute emphasized Sarraounia’s enduring relevance in today’s turbulent world, urging younger generations to draw inspiration from her example and champion collective struggle for a brighter tomorrow.

Local Leaders Rally Support

Fanny Dubault, Deputy Mayor of the 7th arrondissement, addressed a diverse audience at the inauguration event. Her presence not only celebrated cultural diversity but also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding.

In her remarks, Dubault expressed genuine delight in participating in the long-awaited inauguration, which had faced postponement once before. Stressing the significance of the occasion, she highlighted the importance of fostering connections between diverse cultures and communities, echoing sentiments of unity amidst diversity.

“It is essential today to create pumps and bridges between the various cultures and worlds that may appear different,” Dubault emphasized, underlining the need for interconnectedness in an increasingly diverse society.

As a representative of the 7th arrondissement, Dubault assured unwavering support from the municipal office, inviting constituents to engage with local authorities for assistance or collaboration.

Dubault’s address underscored the importance of local representation in such events, reaffirming the community’s commitment to inclusivity and representation at all levels of governance.

In a bustling evening marked by cultural fervor and civic engagement, Sonia Storovtsov, Deputy Mayor of Lyon, stepped forth as the emissary of Mayor Lyon, expressing regrets for his unavoidable absence. Her presence underscored the significance of the occasion — the inauguration of a vibrant cultural space and the revitalization of museum collections.

With heartfelt wishes for the cultural space’s prosperity, Storovtsov extended gratitude to the assembled guests, affirming their pivotal role in shaping Lyon’s cultural tapestry.

Unveiling Trésor d’Ailleurs: A Tale of Exile Through Objects

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the exhibition “Trésor d’Ailleurs,” curated by Mrs. Laurick Zerbini, teacher, researcher, and lecturer at the “Université Lumiere” in Lyon 2. Zerbini eloquently articulated the significance of objects as vessels of migrant experiences, offering insights into the complexities of displacement, exile, and resilience.

Through a captivating narrative, Zerbini revealed how everyday objects transcend their materiality to become poignant symbols of migrant journeys, bearing witness to the triumphs and tribulations of those in search of refuge and belonging.

A Vision for the Future

The inauguration of Sarraounia Space heralds a new chapter in Lyon’s cultural landscape, one marked by a celebration of African heritage and a renewed commitment to the values of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect.

As the evening drew to a close, attendees were graciously served refreshments before bidding farewell, their spirits invigorated by a profound appreciation for the intricate tapestry of African culture and the indelible legacy of Queen Sarraounia. Nestled in the heart of Lyon, the Sarraounia Space serves as a poignant testament to resilience, diversity, and the unwavering spirit of human solidarity, leaving all in attendance enriched by its profound message.