Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, would have a link with Pernes-les-Fontaines! A look back at the surprising story of his Vauclusian ancestors, revealed by Maxime Peyron in Le Sviens-Vous.
The Pernoise Roots of Barack Obama: When the 44th President of the United States Connects with Vaucluse!
On the occasion of the American elections, the show Did you know with Maxime Peyron takes on an American accent! All week, Maxime takes us to discover the little-known links between the presidents of the United States and our department. First surprising story: that of Barack Obama and his Vaucluse roots!
A Little Bourgeois of Champagne with Pernoise Roots
To understand the link between Barack Obama and Vaucluse, we have to go back to the 15th century, where we meet Jean Boet, known as Jean Brassier. This resident of Champagne, forced to flee the region, decided to settle in the south of France, in Pernes-les-Fontaines. Several generations later, one of his descendants, Benoît de Brassier, chose exile for religious reasons. A Protestant, he left Provence at the beginning of the 18th century to settle in the United States, where he married an American woman. It was at this time that his name was transformed: from Brassier became de Brashaer, a surname which today appears in Barack Obama's official family tree!
A Blend of Cultures: Obama's Diverse Origins
The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, embodies the American melting pot. His family tree reveals multiple origins: he is 50% Kenyan through his father, 36% English through his mother, 5% German… and 1% Vauclusian thanks to his Pernes ancestor, Benoît de Brassier. This link, although distant, would even have influenced the choice of Barack and his family to spend a vacation in Vaucluse – an opportunity for them to reconnect with this little-known family root.
Coming up: When Barack Obama Chooses Vaucluse for his Holidays
Maxime Peyron will soon return to this famous summer visit by Obama and his family to our department, between history, culture and local discoveries.
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