On Thursday, the French National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a colonial-era law that classified enslaved individuals as property. This significant decision comes nearly two centuries after slavery was abolished in France. The Code Noir, enacted in 1685 by King Louis XIV, allowed for the brutal treatment of enslaved people, including violence and exploitation. Lawmakers, including Steevy Gustave, who is descended from enslaved individuals, highlighted the emotional weight of the repeal, stating that it cannot repair centuries of suffering. President Emmanuel Macron remarked that the long-standing silence regarding the Code Noir was an offense to the descendants of enslaved people. While the repeal is a symbolic step, many argue that it reflects the ongoing challenges of systemic racism and economic inequality faced by France's overseas territories, which are still among the poorest regions. The discussion around reparations remains contentious, with Macron suggesting the need for truth-telling and historical education rather than immediate financial compensation. This vote marks a crucial moment in France's journey to confront its colonial past.