Stichting Gedeeld Verleden, Gezamenlijke Toekomst organized the annual commemoration of slavery history at the Lloydkade in Rotterdam on June 30, 2026.
The event drew an increasingly diverse crowd ahead of the Keti Koti celebration.
Board member Jeanette Mijnals managed the extensive preparations for the event at the historical location where slave-trade ships once departed.
Mijnals, who works full-time for the municipality of Voorne aan Zee, completed the six months of planning entirely on a voluntary basis.
Mijnals explained her personal dedication to organizing the annual gathering on the Lloydkade. "For me, this is a day of recognition.
But above all, a day not to forget," she said.
She noted that everything was running exceptionally well during her morning preparations on the dock. "Today I am being carried along a bit," said Mijnals.
She emphasized that the event serves to acknowledge historical facts while looking toward what lies ahead. "For me, this is truly a day of recognition.
But above all, also a day not to forget. You must not dwell in the past, but look forward to the future," said Mijnals.
The growing interest from people without Surinamese or Caribbean roots remains a positive sign for the organizer. "It doesn't matter who you are.
If you have a feeling about it, then that is simply good," said Mijnals.
The rising public awareness regarding the history of the plantation cargo trade is visibly encouraging to her. "People are becoming increasingly aware of what took place," said Mijnals.
Mijnals further stressed the logical distinction between the solemn evening memorial and the subsequent liberation festivities. "Today we pause to remember the victims.
Tomorrow we celebrate freedom," said Mijnals.
She added that contemporary global conflicts reinforce the value of celebrating liberation. "Freedom is not at all self-evident.
That is why you may celebrate it," said Mijnals.
Motivated by community duty, Mijnals believes in setting a proper standard for future generations. "Some things just have to happen.
If you don't set a good example yourself, how do you expect others to do it?" said Mijnals.
To ensure continuity, the organization forms partnerships with entities like Codarts and Maaspodium to attract younger participants. "We have to pass the baton.
They don't have to do it exactly the same way as we do. But as long as the commemoration continues," said Mijnals.
Despite her experience, the immense responsibility towards the attendees still brings pre-event nerves. "You want people to have a good day.
That it is a meaningful commemoration for them. That carries quite a bit of weight," said Mijnals.
