“The indemnity of Groningen is a hundred times the indemnity for all the sufferings of slavery.”

In his lecture, the artist discussed, among other things, the commemoration and celebration of the abolition of slavery on July 1 with Kitty Kuti. This year marks exactly 150 years since the end of slavery under Dutch rule.

In his speech, Akwasi said the consequences of slavery’s past are being felt all around us. It consisted of a number of letters to the Surinamese anti-colonial writer and resistance hero Anton de Koum (1898-1945), after whom the lecture is named. “The Dutch we speak are full of colonial relics. Education, health care, politics and society. The ever-increasing social inequality plays tricks on us.”

Addressing de Kom directly: “What I learned from you, I translate as follows: Be brave, fearless, be wise. Evil is strong, but good is too much. So I have hope for the future. Dream of the future. You cannot have freedom without a fight. Freedom is a privilege.” “.

This year, Akwasi said, is exceptionally unique, thanks to, among other things, the rehabilitation, the King’s apology, all kinds of money released 150 years after slavery was abolished across the Atlantic, and the large amount of media attention this year coming out. To Kitty Koty. With an apology from the king, he indicated the possible apologies that King Willem-Alexander will make during his speech in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark on Saturday.

However, Akwasi criticized compensation for past slavery. “After much debate, the government managed to free up 200 million euros for reparations for slavery. No less than 20 billion was provided for compensation for gas extraction in Groningen. 20 billion – correct me if I’m wrong – is worth a hundred times all the suffering of slavery that lasted 400 General. Mr. de Kom, are you not spinning?”

bank holiday

Keti Koti, who hoped July 1 would become a national holiday, said Keti Koti is “a celebration of all Dutch people in national solidarity”. “And even if it is a Saturday this year, I am sure that next year, on Monday July 1, 2024, more people will be free than we ever imagined. Young people will no longer have to miss school, and employees will not demand No more ATV days.No more vacation, because Keti Koti is it Next best Holland holiday. Write this on the wall.

Akwasi also referred to his speech during a Black Lives Matter protest in Dam Square in 2020, when a comment he made about Zwarte Piet caused an uproar. “As some people know, I was hit hard,” said Akwasi. “I stand here tonight with energy similar to that in Dam Square. I take the time to say exactly what is on my mind.”

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