The Black Archives: Honoring Black History and Culture in Amsterdam
The Black Archives, a vital cultural institution in Amsterdam dedicated to Black history, literature, and activism in the Netherlands, has been recognized for its significant contributions. The organization was among the winners of the Amsterdamprijs voor de Kunst 2018, an award that enables its founders to further their mission of making hidden histories visible.
Since its inception, The Black Archives has worked to integrate overlooked narratives into the collective memory of the Netherlands. Founders Miguel Heilbron and Mitchell Esajas emphasize the urgent need to highlight figures like Otto and Hermina Huiswoud, who are crucial Black resistance heroes, yet remain largely unknown to many. The institution aims to fill gaps in historical understanding, particularly concerning the Surinamese-Dutch experience beyond the narratives of slavery and post-1970s migration.
Bringing Overlooked Narratives to Light
Located on the upper floor of Vereniging Ons Suriname in Amsterdam, The Black Archives houses thousands of books and documents from private collections. These materials are used to create exhibitions that make history tangible and accessible. For instance, an exhibition on Otto and Hermina Huiswoud highlighted their activism, including Otto Huiswoud's role as a co-founder of the communist party in the United States and his work in transforming Vereniging Ons Suriname into a socially engaged organization.
The archives also contextualize historical artifacts differently from mainstream institutions. A "wisselbrief," a bill of exchange used to compensate slave owners after the abolition of slavery, is presented with a focus on the lack of compensation for enslaved people themselves, underscoring systemic racial advantages that persist today. The institution highlights that resistance, such as the 1795 Tula slave uprising in Curaçao, was integral to the fight for emancipation.
Engaging with the Community and Educational Outreach
The Black Archives originated from Miguel Heilbron's family book collection, which he sought to make publicly accessible. Collaborating with New Urban Collective, an organization that identified a lack of educational material on the African diaspora, The Black Archives was founded in 2015. Educational outreach remains a core activity, with the team frequently visiting schools to provide vital lessons.
The organization's efforts extend to broader public engagement. The Black Archives participated in the Nacht van de Geschiedenis at the Rijksmuseum, contributing to a growing recognition of Black perspectives within shared Dutch history. Founders note that the contemporary debates on issues like Zwarte Piet and police violence against minorities have deep historical roots, and the archives provide crucial context for understanding these ongoing discussions.
New Exhibition: "Onze Tori" and Future Aspirations
In celebration of Vereniging Ons Suriname's upcoming 100-year jubilee, The Black Archives is hosting a pop-up exhibition titled "Onze Tori, verhalen van Surinamers in Nederland." This exhibition opens on October 26th and will continue into the following year, offering new insights into the experiences of Surinamese people in the Netherlands.
Looking ahead, The Black Archives envisions expanding its operations significantly. The team responded to an open call from the Municipality of Amsterdam for proposals for a National Slavery Museum, hoping to build upon the exhibition experience at Vereniging Ons Suriname. The long-term dream is to establish a full-fledged museum facility complete with spaces for debate, dialogue, and community gathering. More information about their initiatives can be found on their official website: theblackarchives.nl.
To discover more cultural institutions in Amsterdam that highlight diverse histories, you can browse museums or use the search function on Musemap (musemap.art).
