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.
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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.
