The Black Archives in Amsterdam: Preparing to Open a Significant Collection of Black History
A vital new cultural initiative, The Black Archives, was preparing to open its doors to the public in Amsterdam, aiming to make a vast collection dedicated to Black history, literature, and activism accessible. Situated in Amsterdam-Oost, this institution was established to address a clear need for a dedicated space to explore the history and contemporary experiences of Black communities in the Netherlands. The developments were reported by NOS op 3 in February 2017.
Unveiling a Comprehensive Collection
The core of The Black Archives comprises an extensive compilation of approximately 4,000 books and documents. This collection is notable for being the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, focusing on critical subjects such as slavery, colonialism, and civil rights. Co-founder Mitchell Esajas described the archive as a "treasure trove" of materials not easily found in conventional libraries. The collection also gives prominence to Black feminism, an area championed by co-founder Jessica de Abreu.
A Vision for Accessibility and Education
Mitchell Esajas, who also serves as chairman of the New Urban Collective, highlighted the driving force behind establishing The Black Archives. He noted a strong demand among young people to delve deeper into their history, which is often underrepresented in mainstream education, particularly concerning the enduring impact of slavery and the colonial past. The archive aims to bridge this educational gap, providing a crucial resource for knowledge and promoting understanding.
The foundation of The Black Archives began more than two years prior to the 2017 report, starting with the acquisition of around 2,000 books from the late UvA sociologist Waldo Heilbron. This initial collection was then significantly expanded with a substantial number of books and documents already held within the Ons Suriname association building, a cultural center for Surinamese people in Amsterdam where the archive is currently located. The initiators have expressed their commitment to maintaining direct management of the collection to ensure its continued public accessibility.
Connecting History to Contemporary Life
Beyond its role in historical preservation, The Black Archives strives to illustrate the lasting relevance of past events to current societal challenges. Esajas underscored this connection by referencing a 1975 newspaper article from the archive, which detailed instances of police misconduct against Surinamese individuals in the Bijlmer area. He pointed out the striking parallels to contemporary discussions on issues such as ethnic profiling, suggesting a cyclical nature to certain historical patterns.
Supporting the Initiative
As of the February 2017 report, The Black Archives was not yet fully open to the public but was working towards an official opening on July 1st, a date that coincides with the remembrance day for the abolition of slavery. The initiative also welcomes donations of relevant books and documents to further enrich its expanding collection. Esajas envisioned the archive evolving into a dynamic space where individuals can converge, learn, and critically engage with Black history, thereby fostering greater understanding within Dutch society.
To discover more cultural initiatives and explore diverse historical sites, Musemap (musemap.art) provides comprehensive listings. You can browse museums or utilize the map view to plan your next cultural journey.
