Assa Traoré federates neighborhoods by Marie Pouzadoux

It is noon, a small group is formed at the round of the Ellipse, in the neighborhood of Grande Borne Grigny (Essonne). Locals stick posters on the trees of the place, others engage in sound and video preparations, all waiting for the arrival of Assa Traore. Two years after the death of his brother Adama, asphyxiated during an identity check by two gendarmes in Beaumont-sur-Oise (Val-d'Oise), the young woman leaves nothing. After stages in Montreuil, Sarcelles, La Courneuve and other neighborhoods in recent weeks, the committee The Truth for Adama, she created, had called for a meeting in Grigny on July 14, to mobilize for the March for Adama to be held July 21 at Beaumont-sur-Oise

It is Aboubakar Sakanoko, known as Bouba, inhabitant of the district during thirty-three years and associative figure of the city who is in charge of the rally. Very committed to the field and support of the first hour of the Traore family, he is at the head of Zonzon 91, association for the prevention of delinquency among neighborhood youth, and associative media Block-out Radio. At his side, Pascal Troadec, also a former inhabitant of the district and elected in charge of culture at the town hall of Grigny, welcomes the inhabitants. In music, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, the forty or so mobilized people wait patiently while children play on the square.

For two years, Assa Traoré has played a key role in the media coverage of the fight. "Assa's approach is not limited to her family: she embodies the fight against police violence and their impunity", summarizes Pascal Troadec. In recent months, this mother of three has stopped working to dedicate herself to the cause and support of her other younger brothers, since four have been imprisoned since Adama's death. Elder in the service of a family of 17 children, she testifies to the unfailing solidarity that unites the Traoré siblings. And she federates. In the field, the former specialist educator knows exactly how to talk to young people she knows. At each gathering, she approaches the same mobilization technique resulting from social work, which involves the exchange in small groups, giving the floor to everyone. With her methods and personality, she is unanimously supported by the committee.

"Assa is brave and patient", comments Kong, an active member of Block-out radio. A feeling shared by Maxime, 25, member of the group Action antifasciste Paris suburbs, support of the family, come from Paris with friends. "Assa is a woman of character, with a steel mind, who found herself overnight in the spotlight. His fight must be encouraged. "

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