Under the title ‘Remember the past, celebrate the future’, the slavery past was commemorated in Utrecht on Sunday during Keti Koti. Wreaths were laid at the monument in the Griftpark and a minute’s silence was also held. On Monday 1 July, the abolition of slavery will be celebrated at the same location.
“On June 30, we commemorate the people who fought for freedom and a dignified existence during the transatlantic slavery,” can be read on the website of Keti Koti Utrecht. The ceremony in the Griftpark was attended by mayor Sharon Dijksma and alderman Linda Voortman, among others. Both laid a wreath at the monument on behalf of the municipality.
In addition to the wreath laying and the moment of silence, the ceremony also consisted of music, a libation and speeches by various people, including Jennifer Ferrier, chair of Keti Koti Utrecht, and a student from Descart College who recited a self-written poem.
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Mayor Sharon Dijksma and councillor Linda Voortman lay a wreath
Jennifer Ferrier (left) also laid a wreath at the monument
Party
On Monday, the Griftpark will once once more commemorate the history of slavery, but this time in a festive way. “After the Keti Koti commemoration on June 30, Monday July 1 is time for a party. We celebrate the resilience and resistance of the enslaved ancestors, the abolition of transatlantic slavery and freedom.” The program lasts from 12:00 to 22:00 and is free to visit.
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