July 1 is Keti Koti, the annual commemoration of the history of slavery in the former Dutch colonies. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. From July 1, 2023 through July 1, 2024, this will be commemorated and celebrated in various ways and throughout our country.
On June 30, the evening prior to the Keti Koti celebration, a formal memorial gathering will take place at the Rotterdam Slavery Monument. On behalf of Erasmus University, our rector magnificus Prof. Annelien Bredenoord will lay a wreath.
One in eight of the people living in Rotterdam (dd 2021) has ancestors who were once enslaved in the Atlantic area, more than in any other Dutch city. Colonial history has given both the descendants of the enslaved and the descendants of people of Rotterdammers who profited from the slave trade a two-sided, shared legacy. (Source: Alex van Stipriaan, Rotterdam in Slavery). We feel it is important, as a university in the city of Rotterdam, to pay special attention during this year, and commemorate this history and legacy.
College tour: government and educational institutions in conversation
On Monday, June 19, the first of a series of meetings with young adults took place at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences to talk with each other, and with State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen (BZK), Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf (OCW) and Minister Karien van Gennip (SZW) about the impact of the history of slavery, partly as a start to work out ‘after the comma’. About 100 (young) adults attended, including EUR students.
Items discussed included ideas for commemorating and celebrating the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery and the wish to make Keti Koti an official day off for everyone in the Netherlands. Young people also shared concerns about racism and (internship) discrimination, among other things, and indicated what they need in order to study and work successfully. Three more such meetings with government officials will take place during the commemorative year.
Various activities
This week there are several activities in the city:
From June 24 onwards - Kunsthal
Kunsthal Rotterdam, in collaboration with Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, presents from June 24 onwards Acknowledge Rebuild – Wunderkammers of Rotterdam’s Colonial Past. This is an installation curated by artist patricia kaersenhout on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, with works by emerging artists. Historical objects from various museum collections and archives of the city of Rotterdam are associatively linked to contemporary artworks in five wunderkammers: https://www.kunsthal.nl/en/plan-your-visit/exhibitions/acknowledge-rebuild/
Friday afternoon, June 30 - Theater Zuidplein
In Theater Zuidplein the spotlight is on Surinamese poetry, among other things. The program Powema Boto follows - with poems, song and dance - the ships that sailed to Suriname. With stories by Raoul de Jong, Arthur Cairo and Hermine Haman, among others; accompanied by Carlo Hoop's drums. Awidya will provide song and dance.
This event is organized by Taalmuseum, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rotterdamsch Leeskabinet, and Theater Zuidplein: https://www.eur.nl/evenementen/powema-boto-2023-06-30
Friday June 30 at 19:00 - formal memorial gathering Lloydpier
On Friday evening, June 30, a formal memorial gathering will take place at the Rotterdam Slavery Monument where city officials and representatives of Rotterdam institutions will lay wreaths in honor of freedom and human dignity. On behalf of Erasmus University Rotterdam, our rector magnificus Prof. Annelien Bredenoord will lay a wreath. This ceremony serves as a reminder of our shared legacy and our common commitment to overcome discrimination, hatred and oppression, for the benefit of all. The commemoration is open to all.
Activities in commemorative year
Various activities to commemorate and celebrate will take place from July 1, 2023 through July 1, 2024. EUR's IDEA Center is organizing a number of events for staff and students during this year. More information will follow soon.
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