Memorial Justice
Les Passeurs de la Mémoire Sociale
The event Les Passeurs de la Mémoire Sociale, organized by the association Jeunesse Maghrébine on March 31, 2004, in collaboration with EMIM (Espace Mémorial de l'Immigration) and Mohamed El Baroudi, aimed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the "Belgian-Moroccan convention on labor" by fostering an evening of interaction between the Maghreb diaspora and their Belgian allies who assisted and defended immigrant populations.The objective of this extensive roundtable was to revisit an important period in history linked to the emergence of an immigrant population, primarily African, in cities and industrial areas. It highlighted the efforts of united men and women in combating inequalities and injustices towards a better future. This generation sowed hopes and actively supported subsequent generations, promoting political awareness and instilling a sense of commitment among them. Engagement in migration causes primarily stemmed from political consciousness and belief in societal change, reflecting a rejection of resignation. Notably, some members of "Jeunesse Maghrébine" had connections with organizations such as RDM (Regroupement Démocratique Marocain), UNEM (Union Nationale des Étudiants du Maroc), Mrax, Anti-Racist Front, and Anti-Fascist Front, highlighting generational continuity in activism. Symbolically, the event, along with other commemorative activities, was led by the second generation, proudly embracing their labor and activist history. Over time, these gatherings established mutual respect and lasting collaborations, revealing the profound impact of seemingly minor actions on illiterate and unskilled immigrants navigating Belgian society. By sharing often overlooked personal experiences, these narratives humanized the political engagements of the time, offering insights into the challenges and successes of integration into Belgian society. The inclusion of voices from later generations or mixed backgrounds enriched the narrative, capturing the complexities and emotional dimensions of their migration journeys. The invitation to contribute personal narratives aimed to echo and expand upon the event's themes, preserving emotional and intimate aspects while embracing the nonlinear and sometimes imprecise nature of memory and storytelling. These testimonies will be recorded in the book ‘Les passeurs de la Mémoire Sociale, 1964, 2004, 40 ans de présence marocaine en Belgique'.