Thousands Rally in Saint-Denis for Black Mayor Facing Racism

When Bally Bagayoko won his mayoral election in Saint-Denis this March, his neighbors knew exactly who they were getting: a 52-year-old Frenchman born to Malian parents who grew up in their community of 150,000. But within days of his victory, racist comments on social media and national television tried to define him differently.

This Saturday, thousands of people had something to say about that. They gathered on the steps of Saint-Denis town hall to show support for their mayor and denounce the racism he faced.

Bagayoko, who represents the France Unbowed party, became a target almost immediately after winning his seat on March 15. Disparaging remarks aired on CNews, a major French news channel, while racist abuse flooded social media platforms. The attacks weren't about his policies or qualifications but about the color of his skin.

Saint-Denis is one of France's most diverse communities, home to a large immigrant population. Music bands, trade unions, and community groups joined the demonstration, turning it into a celebration of the values their town represents.

"We come to state firmly and definitively our visceral attachment to the values of the Republic embodied by those who are heirs of immigration," Bagayoko told the crowd. Opposition leader Jean-Luc Melenchon joined the rally, condemning what he called "a sickening wave of racism coming from the political and media elites."

The Ripple Effect

The demonstration sparked national conversations about racism in French public life. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu publicly denounced the "normalization of evil and racism" following the campaign against Bagayoko. The government's minister against discrimination reached out personally to express solidarity, though her absence from the rally drew criticism.

Bagayoko filed legal complaints against CNews over comments made about him on air. A separate investigation opened into the racist abuse he received on social media platforms, signaling that authorities are taking the harassment seriously.

Protesters carried signs reading "Don't touch my mate," the slogan of anti-racism group SOS Racisme. Their message was clear: attacking their elected leader meant attacking their community's choice and their shared values.

The rally showed that when hate tries to divide, communities can choose to come together even stronger.