Dutch national monument for the commemoration of the Transatlantic Slave Trade dressed as racist character of Zwarte Piet/ Black Piet

The National Slavery Monument, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the Netherlands in 1863 was unveiled on July 1, 2002. The Monument is located in one of Amsterdam’s main parks (Oosterpark/ East Park) where every year, on the first of July, the commemoration of the end of slavery takes place (and the Keti Koti festival). The monument and the park hold a deep symbolism for Afro Dutch people and for People of Color from different diasporas who share a history of colonization and Othering. It is a reminder of one of the most hurtful periods of Dutch colonial interventions.

When white Dutch people argue that there isn’t any racism in the character of Zwarte Piet we are again and again forced to revisit this harmful history and the role that the Transatlantic Slave Trade played in the racist Othering of Black people. The Zwarte Piet apologists, always hiding behind the white supremacist ideology that allows them to perpetuate the racist practices keep denying this link. Now, someone (it is not known exactly who) dressed the figures in the National Slavery Monument with Zwarte Piet clothing items. There is no point denying it anymore. This white supremacist society wishes to continue hurting with impunity.

Found via Quinsy Gario at Roet in Het Eten

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