Milan is memory. Plaque unveiled in memory of Abba, a warning against racism
In via Zuretti in 2008 he was killed with a bar. Today the Municipality remembers him with a plaque in the Cassina de 'Pomm Garden a few steps from where he was attacked - Photo gallery
Milan 25 March 2023 – 15 years have passed since 14 September 2008, the day on which Abba, Abdoul Guiebre, a 19-year-old boy originally from Brukina Faso, but born in Italy, was killed in via Zuretti with a bar. The owners of the bar from which he ran out think he stole something, perhaps the proceeds. They chase him and once they reach him they hit him. The attack was violent and the boy, transported to the hospital in a coma, was declared dead a few hours later.
Today in the public garden of Cassina de' Pomm, between via Zuretti and Tirano, a few days after March 21st (International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination) the Municipality unveiled a plaque in memory of Abba dedicating these words to him: "To a few steps from the street where he died, the Municipality of Milan remembers Abdoul Guiebre - Abba (1989 – 2008) so that the memory of his murder serves to understand the need to reject violence, hatred and racism to build inclusive cities and a society of equals".
The ceremony was attended by the Councilor for Culture, Tommaso Sacchi, the president of Municipality 2, Simone Locatelli, and the Committee "Not to forget Abba and stop racism". The boy's family members were also present.
"The violent killing of Abba which we all remember – said the Councilor for Culture, Tommaso Sacchi – struck us as the expression of an inhumane action born from feelings of hatred and racism. Our hope but also our commitment is that facts like these are no longer repeated, may the culture of equality, hospitality and respect for every person take root and grow in our community. Because Milan is a city against all racism and discrimination where everyone must feel like citizens and equal among each other They".
The plaque for the young Abba is also part of the program of initiatives of the project "Milan is memory", the platform created in 2017 to highlight and remember people, facts and events that testify to the history and identity of the city of Milan.
Updated: 27/03/2023