July 1, 2023 marked the beginning of the Slavery Past Commemoration Year. For a year, the entire Kingdom reflected on the impact of the slavery past with moments of reflection, recognition, and official apologies. But what happens after the words have been spoken and the silence of remembrance has descended? How do we take responsibility for a past that still has an impact on the present – especially in a climate in which colonial ideas are once again gaining political ground?
During this program, we seek each other out to learn together. You will hear voices that keep the discussion sharp, sometimes against the tide. Researchers, politicians, activists, and artists share insights that touch on where we are now and where we should want to go. A meeting to listen, to question, and to think along about a future in which this past is not swept under the carpet, but is taken seriously as a foundation for what is yet to come.
With contributions from Sandew Hira, Rabin Baldewsingh, Peggy Brandon, Wendeline Flores, and Robbert Dijkgraaf, among others. Moderator: Andrew Makkinga
Guest speakers
Robbert Dijkgraaf
Former Minister of Education, Culture and Science. Dijkgraaf played a key role in policy development regarding the history of slavery, including the government’s response to the SZW advice. With his background as a scientist and administrator, he brings clarity to social themes at the intersection of history, culture and justice.
Sandew Hira
Historian and director of the International Institute for Scientific Research. Hira researches the impact of colonialism and slavery from an international perspective. He places the Dutch debate in a broader context and shows how other countries deal with their colonial past.
Rabin Baldewsingh
National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism. In this role, he advises the government and involves social organizations in combating racism. Baldewsingh connects policy with practice, with attention to both historical backgrounds and contemporary issues.
Ian van der Kooye
Director of Kleur de Kamer and organizer of this symposium. Van der Kooye is committed to more political representation and an inclusive democracy. In his work, he links social themes to concrete action, with an eye for structural change.
Wendeline Flores
Vice-chair of the NiNsee and researcher at the Wereldmuseum. Flores specializes in Dutch-Caribbean colonial history and works on public programs that make multiple perspectives on the past visible.
Mano Delea
Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, specialized in postcolonial history. Delea focuses on themes such as heritage, education and intergenerational trauma. He investigates how stories of resistance and recovery are given a place in the public debate.
Guilly Koster
Writer, columnist and program maker. Koster makes personal stories about the slavery past tangible for a wide audience. He works at the intersection of journalism, poetry and heritage, with a keen eye for social dynamics.
Carl Blijd
Psychiatrist and researcher, specialized in intergenerational trauma. Blijd works at the intersection of psychiatry and social issues, and investigates how historical events affect mental health and community formation.
Peggy Brandon
Quartermaster for the National Slavery Museum. Brandon has a background in cultural education and heritage policy. She develops programs that make historical themes accessible to a wide audience, with room for dialogue and education.
Moderator: Andrew Makkinga
Moderator and presenter, known from radio and television. Makkinga leads conversations with attention to content, rhythm and sharpness. He is familiar with complex subjects and knows how to connect speakers and audience in a natural way.
This program was created through a collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior, Kleur de Kamer, NiNsee and Rode Hoed.