The Black Archives in Amsterdam: Exploring Five Books Unveiling Dutch History
Tucked away in the historic Hugo Olijfveldhuis on Amsterdam's Zeeburgerdijk, The Black Archives serves as a vital cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing Black history, literature, and activism in the Netherlands. Its extensive collection, much of which is not found in public libraries, offers critical insights into overlooked aspects of Dutch history, colonialism, and the ongoing struggle against racism.
The Black Archives' core collection originated from the personal library of the late sociologist Waldo Heilbron. Since 2009, a dedicated group of young adults has taken on the task of cataloging this rich archive and making it accessible to the public. Through their work, they continually uncover forgotten narratives and historical contexts that resonate deeply with contemporary issues.
The Significance of The Black Archives Collection
The materials housed within The Black Archives are crucial for understanding the broader scope of Dutch history, providing "missing puzzle pieces" that challenge conventional narratives. The founders emphasize how these documents and books illuminate historical injustices and the enduring fight for equality, placing current societal problems in a deeper context.
In an interview from March 2017, three of The Black Archives' initiators – Miguel Heilbron (Waldo Heilbron's son), Jessica de Abreu, and Mitchell Esajas from New Urban Collective – highlighted five books from their collection they believe are essential for every Dutch person to understand their nation's past. These selections offer a glimpse into the depth and breadth of the archive's resources. The Black Archives itself is an initiative born from New Urban Collective's commitment to Black empowerment and knowledge sharing.
Voices Against Colonialism and Racism: Key Works from the Collection
Anton de Kom – Wij slaven van Suriname (1934)
Mitchell Esajas positions Anton de Kom as a figure comparable to international civil rights leaders, noting his pioneering critique of Dutch colonialism from an indigenous perspective. De Kom's book, "We Slaves of Suriname," highlighted the harsh realities faced by workers in Suriname decades after the official abolition of slavery. He successfully united various ethnic groups in a strong trade union movement, leading to significant uprisings. Despite being suppressed by the Dutch and imprisoned, De Kom later joined the Dutch resistance during World War II, a testament to his complex relationship with the Netherlands. Miguel Heilbron adds that De Kom's relevance extends to the colonial legacy, reminding readers that former colonies are intrinsically linked to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The book was initially banned and circulated illicitly, with many disbelieving a Black Surinamese author could have written such a profound work.
Présence Africaine – 1st International Conference of Negro Writers and Artists (1956)
This book documents a pivotal 1956 conference in Paris, linking figures like Otto and Hermina Huiswoud to a vast international network of anti-colonial thinkers including Frantz Fanon and Marcus Garvey. Otto Huiswoud, born to enslaved Surinamese parents, became a co-founder of the American Communist Party and was involved in early American civil rights movements. The Huiswouds later lived in the Netherlands, and a portion of The Black Archives' collection comes from their personal library. Jessica de Abreu recounts the discovery of a book inscribed with a personal message from Langston Hughes to Otto Huiswoud, underscoring the rich, international history of anti-racism in the Netherlands, a history often overlooked in Dutch curricula. The Huiswouds often used pseudonyms to avoid surveillance, contributing to their lesser-known status.
Angela Davis – Women, Race and Class (1981)
Jessica de Abreu recommends Angela Davis's work, "Women, Race and Class," for its relevance to the Dutch context, particularly its exploration of the intersection between race and gender in feminist movements. Davis's book details the rise of Black women in the American civil rights movement and the historical tensions between white feminism and the Black liberation struggle. De Abreu notes that white feminists initially allied with the Black movement but later prioritized gender over race, fearing Black men might gain more rights than white women. This historical analysis explains contemporary frictions between white and Black feminists in the Netherlands, where policies often fail to connect race and gender, leaving Black women invisible in discussions about equality.
Philomena Essed – Alledaags Racisme (1984)
Philomena Essed's "Everyday Racism" is considered a seminal text on racism in the Netherlands, where discussions often focus on racism abroad. Mitchell Esajas points out that the book was not warmly received in Dutch academia, leading Essed to pursue her scholarly work abroad. Jessica de Abreu emphasizes that the book illustrates how racism is so deeply embedded in Dutch daily life that it often becomes imperceptible. It helps individuals recognize subtle, often well-intentioned, remarks or jokes that carry racist undertones, empowering them to confront or address such situations. The book's recent reprinting after more than two decades highlights its enduring importance, even as Essed's work continues to be more recognized internationally than within the Netherlands.
Scotty Gravenberch, Lulu Helder et al. – Sinterklaasje kom maar binnen zonder knecht (1989)
"Sinterklaasje kom maar binnen zonder knecht" (Sinterklaas, Come In Without a Servant) is a book from 1989 that unequivocally demonstrates the long history of the Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) debate in the Netherlands. Miguel Heilbron notes that this collective work, featuring contributions from his own parents, sparked a heated national debate at the time. Jessica de Abreu adds that it was a significant early manifesto on the issue, but like Essed's book, it was not widely reprinted and is now extremely rare. The founders stress that the ongoing discussion is not a recent phenomenon but a continuation of decades of critique, with arguments against Zwarte Piet dating back to the 1940s.
The Black Archives stands as a powerful testament to a past that has long been suppressed and hidden. Its collection continues to reveal untold stories, offering invaluable resources for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Dutch society and its diverse histories. For visitors interested in exploring these rich cultural narratives and discovering more about similar institutions, Musemap (musemap.art) provides a platform to browse museums and other cultural spots, helping you connect with the hidden gems of Amsterdam and beyond.
