The Black Archives in Amsterdam Addresses Racist Vandalism and Intimidation
The Black Archives in Amsterdam, a vital cultural institution dedicated to Black history, literature, and activism in the Netherlands, recently experienced an act of racist vandalism. On the morning of Thursday, December 3, the building housing The Black Archives and Vereniging Ons Suriname was defaced by unknown individuals.
The incident involved white paint stickers bearing the text "Roetveeg Piet = Genocide" placed over the mural titled ‘The Wall of Surinamese and Black Heroes’. Both The Black Archives and Vereniging Ons Suriname have publicly condemned the act, viewing it as a deliberate attempt at racist intimidation directed at Black individuals who advocate against racism.
Incident at a Key Cultural Institution
The building, owned by Vereniging Ons Suriname, is a hub for several organizations, including The Black Archives, 529 Media, Kids van Oost, and Eritrese Vereniging Amsterdam en Omgeving. Vereniging Ons Suriname, established in 1919, is one of the oldest associations for Surinamese people in the Netherlands, known for its long-standing commitment to equality and anti-racism efforts. The Black Archives contributes to a more equitable society and city through its work in art, debate, education, and heritage.
Members of these organizations are actively involved in public discussions regarding racism and discrimination. This incident follows previous acts of racist intimidation and extreme-right violence targeting anti-racism activists. For instance, in a prior event, individuals including Mitchell Esajas, a representative from The Black Archives, faced aggression during a Kick Out Zwarte Piet meeting, which resulted in damage to Esajas’s car in The Hague. Police and authorities have been asked to investigate potential connections between this vandalism and other recent incidents, such as a similar act of intimidation involving stickers left at the home of rapper Akwasi.
Mitchell Esajas expressed concern over the increasing radicalization and violence from the extreme-right against those peacefully advocating for equality. He highlighted The Black Archives and Vereniging Ons Suriname's longstanding role as safe spaces for the Surinamese and Black community in Amsterdam. Esajas urged the City of Amsterdam and the Prime Minister to address institutional and anti-Black racism, ensuring the safety of individuals exercising their democratic rights to combat racism.
The Mural and Extended Exhibition
The 'Wall of Surinamese and Black Heroes' mural, which was targeted in the vandalism, was created in the summer of 2020 by artists Hedy Tjin and Dewi ‘Butterfingaz’ Elsinga after the #BlackLivesMatter protests. It features prominent Surinamese and Black figures, including Anton de Kom, Perez Jong Loy, Cindy Kerseborn, Dr. Sophie Redmond, and Hugo Kooks.
This mural is an extension of the exhibition ‘Surinamers in Nederland: 100 jaar Emancipatie en Strijd’ (‘Surinamese people in the Netherlands: 100 years of Emancipation and Struggle’). Initially scheduled to close on December 5, the exhibition has been extended until February 22, Anton de Kom’s birthday, due to public demand and previous COVID-19 lockdowns. More details on the exhibition are available here. The Black Archives intends to have the mural restored by the original artists and is seeking donations to support this effort.
Supporting The Black Archives and Its Mission
The Black Archives is encouraging the community to support its work and contribute to the restoration of the artwork. Individuals can show their solidarity by sharing information about the vandalism and speaking out against racism.
To directly assist with the restoration and ongoing operations, donations can be made through The Black Archives website. Visitors are also encouraged to experience the extended exhibition, ‘Surinamese people in the Netherlands: 100 years of Emancipation and Struggle’. Another related exhibition, ‘Zwarte Beweging: #BlackLivesMatterNL’ (Black Movement: #BlackLivesMatterNL’), is also on view at the OBA until December 13. Furthermore, historical works like ‘Wij Slaven van Suriname’ (‘We Slaves of Suriname’) by Anton de Kom can be purchased through The Black Archives webshop.
For those interested in exploring more of Amsterdam's cultural landscape and supporting institutions that foster diverse narratives, Musemap (musemap.art) provides resources. You can discover other significant museums in Amsterdam or check what's on in the city for further cultural experiences.
