As part of the celebration of 160 years of the abolition of slavery, the Teachers’ History Program in collaboration with the Diversity & Inclusion Network organized a meeting with Ms. Cynthia McLeod. She is a Surinamese historian, writer, and storyteller about Suriname’s slavery past. One of her most famous books “How Expensive Was the Sugar?” On Monday, April 24, the moment many had waited for, was there.

After an opening by Radha Gangaram Panday and Elena Valbusa, the program began. First, Dutch Surinamese singer Denise Jannah sang the beautiful poem Wan Bon by Dobru R. Raveles, composed by Gerda Havertong/Hartog Soemodihardjo. She followed this up with Mi Gron by Ronald Snijders. Finally, she sang Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem “And Still I Rise” composed by herself as a song. The audience clapped and stomped along while a few tears of emotion fell here and there.

Then it was time to listen to Ms. Cynthia McLeod’s lecture. She took the audience on a journey through the history of Suriname, the history of slavery, and why staying in dialogue with each other is so important. The audience was sucked into her stories and at times, Ms. McLeod’s sharp jokes required hard laughter.

The lecture ran late, leaving little time for the audience to ask questions. Still, a few got a chance to ask their question. When asked, how to deal with feelings of anger about the slavery past, Ms. McLeod indicated that there is no point in being angry. According to her, it is important to continue to share accurate information about what has transpired.

She was further asked what she thinks about the apology from the Dutch state that was offered by Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Dec. 19, 2022. Ms. McLeod indicated that she thought it was great to experience this in her lifetime. But she emphasized, as did Rutte’s message, that this is only a comma and not a period. She thinks that a fund has been made available for awareness, involvement, and follow-through is a good starting point. That there would be a slavery museum is the correct way to raise awareness, according to Ms. McLeod.

After the program, visitors to the lecture were able to enjoy Surinamese snacks and have their books signed by Ms. McLeod. A small round of questions to participants showed how pleased they were with the lecture and that attention is finally being paid to the one thing that has had and continues to have such an impact on our society.

Leading up to and during the commemorative year of the slavery past that runs from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024, the Diversity & Inclusion Network is organizing themed meetings with the principles of; creating a ‘welcome and safe’ feeling for everyone, creating awareness and stimulating dialogue regarding this theme. If you want more information about this and want to participate in the next meeting! Then click here and read on.

By Niusha Froozesh

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