The academician from Haiti, Dany Laferrière, was awarded the Grand Prix des Ambassadeurs francophones this Thursday, February 1 for his work “Small treatise on racism”. This distinction was presented to him during a ceremony held at the French Academy in Paris.
Initially published in Quebec in June 2021, this work experienced renewed interest during its reissue by Editions Grasset in France, under the evocative title “Small treatise on racism in America”, in 2023. In this book, Dany Laferrière dwells on the issue of racism not by adopting a political or pamphleteering approach, but by deploying his writer’s pen.
Following in the tradition of James Baldwin, he breathes humanity and sensitivity into the tragedy of racism. The author explores themes of desire and suffering, music and poetry, anger and pride, while evoking iconic figures such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, the style of Jean-Michel Basquiat or Angela Davis’ afro hairstyle.
The Grand Prix des Ambassadeurs francophones is an annual distinction awarded to a work written in French by an author from a member country of the Francophonie, covering themes linked to international relations, political affairs or history.
The Group of Francophone Ambassadors of France, bringing together around fifty members in Paris, works to promote the French language and the values of the Francophonie.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Dany Laferrière took up residence in Montreal in 1976, where he developed a literary career. A prolific author, he is particularly known for works such as “The Enigma of Return” (2009; winner of the Prix Médicis, the Prix des libraires du Québec and the Grand Prix du livre de Montréal), “Self-portrait of Paris with cat” (2018) and of course “Little treatise on racism” (2021). An eminent member of the Académie française since 2013, Dany Laferrière embodies the diversity and richness of contemporary French-speaking literature.
Note that this distinction comes as the month of February is celebrated as Black History Month, highlighting the importance of diversity and the fight against discrimination.
