This event commemorates Anton de Kom, a pivotal Surinamese anti-colonial writer and resistance fighter. The program explores his profound legacy and enduring relevance in contemporary dialogues on colonialism, inequality, and justice. Featuring expert insights, attendees will engage with De Kom's activism and writings, understanding his impact and inspiration for modern movements.
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This event commemorates the life and work of Anton de Kom, a Surinamese anti-colonial writer and resistance fighter. It features discussions on his legacy, historical context, and enduring relevance in contemporary discussions about colonialism, inequality, and justice.
On November 7, 2025, The Black Archives hosts an evening dedicated to the life and work of Anton de Kom (1898–1945), a pivotal Surinamese anti-colonial writer and resistance fighter. The event aims to celebrate his contributions and explore the enduring impact of his activism and writings, which tackled themes of colonialism, social inequality, racism, and the pursuit of freedom and justice. The program features insights from Dr. Thalia Ostendorf of the Anton de Kom Foundation, who will delve into De Kom's personal life and his role as a pioneer, questioning his engagement with 'independence'. Huibert Crijns will explore how De Kom was framed by contemporaries and media as a 'communist' or 'dissident thinker', placing his activism within the broader context of labor struggles and resistance in the 1930s and 1940s. Mitchell Esajas, co-founder of The Black Archives, will discuss De Kom's lasting significance in the collective memory of Suriname and the Netherlands, particularly through his seminal work 'Wij slaven van Suriname' (1934), which gave voice to enslaved people and laid the groundwork for self-determination. Esajas will also examine how De Kom's thought continues to inspire contemporary movements advocating for decolonization and justice, and how it prompts critical thinking against rising fascism and neo-colonialism. The evening includes a panel discussion with the speakers and the audience, addressing the present-day relevance of De Kom's ideas, lessons from his struggle for workers and freedom, and methods for keeping his story alive for new generations. A Q&A session and informal gathering follow, with opportunities to view publications by Anton de Kom.
Admission is free, but registration is required. Attendees can secure their spot via the provided ticket shop link. The event takes place at KB Nationale Bibliotheek, aula, Prins Willem-Alexanderhof 5, Den Haag, from 19:30 to 21:30. The language of the event is Dutch.
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