The National Slavery Commemoration during Keti Koti (roughly translated: 'the chains are broken') on 1 July this year, was the starting point of the National Slavery Memorial Year in the Netherlands. The Memorial Year focuses special attention on the past of Dutch slavery and its consequences. How do they affect our lives in the here and now? In the Twente region, we also feel it as important to reflect on these consequences. We will be doing so with various activities throughout the year and will start on 28 September. Then, the Municipality of Enschede, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the University of Twente will jointly organise a Keti Koti Table in Enschede's city hall.
Everyone is welcome to eat together, share experiences as well as jointly look ahead. So are you a student or do you work at the University of Twente or at Saxion University of Applied Sciences? Then sign up quickly via the link at the bottom of this message. Also if you are an Enschede resident, we would like to welcome you to the Keti Koti Table.
The Keti Koti Table: a new tradition
The Keti Koti Table is a new tradition specially created to openly reflect on our shared colonial and slavery past and its consequences. Everyone participating is seated at a beautifully set table. The people sitting opposite each other are each other's conversation partners and bring different (cultural) backgrounds and stories - the role skin colour has in this, is an important topic of conversation. During the conversations, which are professionally guided, you will share personal experiences, memories and feelings related to the consequences of the history of Dutch slavery. A delicious ritual meal recalling the slavery past is also eaten.
Fighting prejudice and increasing mutual understanding
By organising this Keti Koti Table, the Municipality of Enschede, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the University of Twente - in collaboration with the Keti Koti Table Foundation - aim to contribute powerfully to addressing and fighting prejudice and discrimination. Inspiring each other and getting a better understanding of each other, is what we are working on together.
Registration and more information
Would you like to be there? Then sign up quickly and join the discussion on 28 September. Participation in the Keti Koti Table is free of charge and the event starts at 19:00 (walk-in 18:30). You can join in both Dutch and English. Would you like to know more about the Keti Koti Table? Then check out the Keti Koti Table website.
