De Pen als Wapen: An Evening Honoring Anti-Colonial Writers Anton de Kom and Nele Mariam

An evening dedicated to the literary legacies of writers Anton de Kom and Nele Marian, who used their powerful words to expose the impact of colonialism. The event features discussions on their writings, their fight against colonial oppression, and their enduring significance today, with readings and performances.

This event commemorates the literary contributions of Anton de Kom and Nele Marian, two influential writers who critically examined colonialism through their powerful words. Anton de Kom, a Surinamese resistance hero, gained renown for his groundbreaking 1934 work "Wij slaven van Suriname," while Nele Marian published her bold poetry collection "Poèmes et Chansons" around the same time, denouncing Belgian colonialism in Congo. Though their works share a militant spirit and impact, they also present intriguing contrasts, such as De Kom's opposition to Nazism versus Marian's writings in newspapers supported by collaborators. The evening will feature writer and artist Akwasi, who addresses themes of resistance and societal change in his letters to Anton de Kom, and Nadia Nsayi, who delves into Nele Marian's life and connects it to her own experiences as a Belgian-Congolese individual. Both authors will share inspiring excerpts from their books, fostering a dialogue on the role of anti-colonial Black writers in Europe, their importance to independence movements, and their lasting influence.

Tickets for this event are €7.50. The event takes place at Bijlmerplein 140.