Living with History
For ordinary French Caribbeans, colonial history isn't abstract but lived:
Marie-José Alie, Martinican psychologist: "I see colonial trauma in my patients daily—in family violence, in self-hatred, in addiction. Healing requires acknowledging this history's psychological impacts."
Jean-Marc Térrine, Guadeloupean farmer: "When I plant traditional crops instead of export bananas, I'm continuing my ancestors' resistance. Food sovereignty is decolonization."
Astrid Mercier, Saint-Martin entrepreneur: "I named my company after my enslaved ancestor. Every success honors her suffering and strength."