Far from being a loyal party goer, Thierno nevertheless went to the center of Tournai last Saturday to enjoy an evening with friends. Arrived at the Grand-Place, the group, made up of black people, some of whom attend the Red Cross, decided to have a drink at the Central. “At the entrance, the guard refused us passage, indicating that we had to contact the manager. Incomprehensible answer since other people came in and out like in a mill”, says Thierno. In order to avoid a possible altercation, the group of friends decided to go to the level of the Quays. “We wanted to occupy a terrace. Again, a man told us that it was impossible to settle in despite unoccupied places. As a result, we headed inside where a security guard intercepted us stating that a birthday was being celebrated. Despite our desire to understand this attitude, we retraced our steps, especially as the security guard rode on his high horse”.
For Thierno and his friends, these two refusals to freely access public establishments represent a real humiliation. “Even though we didn’t receive any concrete insults, but for us it was clear that our skin color was the issue. I don’t see any other reason. In my opinion, regardless of skin color, sexual orientation or even social category, exclusion should not exist and must be denounced”. Following these facts, Thierno insisted on filing a complaint and sending a letter to the mayor Paul-Olivier Delannois.
“This group arrived under the influence of drugs and alcohol”
The manager of the Café le Central wanted to set the record straight. “It had nothing to do with skin color. I am far from being a racist having my own origins and hiring staff with multiple origins. This group arrived under the influence of drugs and alcohol. For customer safety and to avoid disputes, access has been denied. Managing a Horeca establishment in the middle of the night, in Tournai, is far from easy… believe me”.