The Black Archives and New Urban Collective Advocate for Dialogue Amidst Media Controversy in Amsterdam
The Black Archives, a prominent cultural archive and exhibition space in Amsterdam, along with the New Urban Collective (NUC), issued a joint statement in November 2018. This statement directly responded to a controversial article published by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, which they argued contained serious misrepresentations of their work and leadership. The organizations emphasized their unwavering commitment to education, dialogue, and fostering connection within the community.
Responding to Media Allegations
On November 12, 2018, De Telegraaf published an article by Wierd Duk and Marcel Vink, which accused NUC, its chairman Mitchell Esajas (who is also involved with The Black Archives), and Jerry Afriyie of the Nederland Wordt Beter (NLWB) foundation, among others, of promoting a "radical agenda" and inciting violence. The article was criticized by NUC and The Black Archives for lacking basic journalistic principles, using unverified claims, and including suggestive imagery that allegedly demonized the activists and organizations. The statement from NUC and The Black Archives argued that these portrayals created a dangerous climate for anti-Zwarte Piet and anti-racism activists.
Challenging Misinformation and 'Fake News'
NUC and The Black Archives firmly denied any connection to certain radical groups suggested by De Telegraaf. They clarified that while Mitchell Esajas and other NUC members personally support Kick Out Zwarte Piet (KOZP)'s vision for an inclusive Sinterklaas celebration, NUC's approach focuses on awareness, change, and connection through education and dialogue. They cited past discussions, such as a 2011 debate titled "Voor de Lieve Rede" on multicultural society, as examples of their commitment to open dialogue.
The statement further accused De Telegraaf of "fake news" regarding references to official reports (like from the NCTV) that supposedly linked KOZP to potential violence; NUC stated that no such claims were present, and in fact, other reports mentioned Zwarte Piet proponents as a source of polarization. They also corrected a misrepresentation of Esajas's comments, asserting he advocates for non-violent protest in line with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s principles.
Upholding Freedom of Expression and Protecting Activists
The organizations highlighted how such negative media coverage threatened the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and assembly. They pointed to the Dutch National Ombudsman's report, "Demonstrating: A Friction-Filled Fundamental Right?", which acknowledged the pressure on anti-Zwarte Piet demonstrators. The statement documented instances of threats and violence faced by Esajas and Afriyie, including death threats, hateful and racist abuse, and physical assaults during peaceful protests, underscoring the real-world dangers fueled by inflammatory reporting. The legal victory against the 'Blokkeerfriezen' (road blockers) in a related case was also noted as a significant outcome in this context, with the court’s verdict available for review here.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
NUC and The Black Archives also addressed attempts to discredit their funding and partnerships. They clarified that while ABN AMRO and KPMG were past sponsors of their "Verborgen Talent" project, aimed at connecting students from diverse backgrounds with employers, current information on their website was outdated at the time. They also confirmed receiving funding from the Open Society Foundation in 2014 and 2015 for projects discussing colonialism and racism. An interview with Mitchell Esajas on the Open Society Foundation website, discussing how racism is reproduced through institutions, can be found here. Furthermore, they acknowledged support from the City of Amsterdam for various community initiatives, including the NUC Mentorproject for primary school children in Amsterdam Zuidoost. They emphasized their belief in community strength and a multifaceted approach to social change, combining entrepreneurship, volunteering, and activism.
The Black Archives' Enduring Mission
In their statement, NUC and The Black Archives reiterated their core philosophy: "We should not block roads, but build bridges." This commitment to constructive engagement was recognized when The Black Archives received the Amsterdamprijs voor de Kunsten (Amsterdam Art Prize) in 2018. The jury praised the institution's unique blend as "an art institution, a historical archive, a place where activists come together, or a debate center," highlighting its critical role in making Black history visible. The organizations vowed to continue their work for an inclusive society, publishing articles like "Zwarte Piet is gone tomorrow. Racism remains" with De Correspondent, and urged supporters to look beyond "pseudo-journalistic allegations." The FunX news article covering The Black Archives' win of the Stimuleringsprijs can be read here.
Visiting The Black Archives in Amsterdam
The Black Archives continues its vital work as a cultural hub in Amsterdam, accessible to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 to 17:00. Located in Amsterdam Zuidoost, the space is fully wheelchair accessible, situated on the ground floor. For tours outside regular hours, visitors can contact them directly.
To discover more cultural experiences in Amsterdam and explore local museums, visit Musemap (musemap.art). You can also browse more museums in Amsterdam or find other cultural spots on the map.
