Keti Koti Dialogue Table

The Keti Koti dialogue table is a tradition where we reflect together on dealing with the consequences of the Dutch colonial and slavery past. We do this by sharing with each other personal experiences, emotions and insights in relation to the dialogue theme specifically determined for this meeting: "Seeing and Being Seen: Who Cares?"

During the dialogue, a shared meal will be served, recalling the slavery past. Rituals referring to slavery are performed at the beginning and at the end. Between conversations, the Fri Yeye choir sings songs of mourning and liberation that were sung on the plantations at the time of slavery. With this dialogue meeting, the Keti Koti Table foundation and the University of Amsterdam want to contribute to fighting prejudice, discrimination and strengthening mutual empathy and compassion.      

You can register via the link below. Because we will engage in conversation in diverse couples, you can bring a staff member or student of a different color than yourself, but this is not mandatory. We look forward to seeing you!

Background information

This special Keti Koti Table takes place in a significant year of commemoration: 160 years after the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles and 150 years after the period of forced labor "under State supervision" that followed. Moreover, the Dutch state recently officially apologized for its involvement in slavery and the slave trade. The investigation into the University of Amsterdam's involvement in slavery will begin in the coming years. Meanwhile, Decolonial Dialogues@HumanitiesExternal link are already being organised in the hall where the administrators of the VOC met at the time. This hall is in the Bushuis/Oost-Indisch Huis, where the Keti Koti Table will also take place.

This Keti Koti Table is offered by the Executive Board and the Central Diversity Office of the University of Amsterdam in cooperation with the Faculty of Humanities and Decolonial Dialogues@HumanitiesExternal link.