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The Untold History of Anton de Kom: An Amsterdam Exhibition and Event

Explore the compelling history of Anton de Kom, an Amsterdam event highlighting his struggle against oppression.

The event, 'De Verzwegen Geschiedenis van Anton de Kom', in Amsterdam, delved into the lesser-known aspects of Anton de Kom's life and activism. It highlighted his struggle against the exploitation of Black Surinamese people and his resistance against German occupiers. The program featured an exhibition, insightful lectures, and a short film premiere, offering a comprehensive exploration of his pivotal role in history.

About De Verzwegen Geschiedenis van Anton de Kom at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for De Verzwegen Geschiedenis van Anton de Kom at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This event explores the hidden history of Anton de Kom, focusing on his fight against the oppression of Black workers in Suriname and his resistance against the German occupation. The evening includes an exhibition, lectures, and a film premiere, shedding light on aspects of his life that are often overlooked.

Curatorial context

This event delves into the lesser-known aspects of Anton de Kom's life and activism, moving beyond his well-documented fight against unilateral historical narratives. It specifically highlights his struggle against the exploitation of Black Surinamese people and his resistance against the German occupiers later in his life. The program includes a premiere of a short film by BAMN films, directed by Greg Macousi, which focuses on the resistance De Kom faced in Suriname and his unwavering commitment to a just society. Speakers Ernestine Comvalius and Roy Wijks, who were active in Surinamese action groups in the 1970s and 80s, will share their discovery of previously untold parts of De Kom's story, based on their 1989 book 'Anton de Kom: his struggle and his ideas'. Mitchell Esajas, co-founder of The Black Archives, will present unique archival pieces detailing the connections between Anton de Kom and Black revolutionaries Hermina and Otto Huiswoud, who utilized communism for their Black resistance, including evidence of a shared anti-colonial conference trip to Paris in the 1930s. Historian Karwan Fatah-Black will contextualize De Kom's rise as an anti-colonial resistance fighter, influenced by decolonization movements and the Russian Revolution, while also being wary of the rise of fascism, positioning De Kom as a pivotal historical figure for the 'Year of Resistance'.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets are available for €10 for the event, or €14 for the event combined with access to the 'Zwart en Revolutionair' exhibition. Purchase can be made via Eventbrite. The event takes place at Vereniging Ons Suriname / The Black Archives, Zeeburgerdijk 19a, 1093 SK Amsterdam.

De Verzwegen Geschiedenis van Anton de Kom key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for De Verzwegen Geschiedenis van Anton de Kom at The Black Archives in Amsterdam

Venue
The Black Archives
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Feb 25, 2018
Artist line / attribution
Featuring contributions from Karin Amatmoekrim (author), Ernestine Comvalius (director of Bijlmer Parktheater), Roy Wijks (writer), Mitchell Esajas (co-founder of The Black Archives), and historian Karwan Fatah-Black. The event also includes a premiere of a short film by Greg Macousi of BAMN films.
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