4 weeks Ago
Moving Forward and Celebrating Accomplishments from a 15-year movement
After 15 years, the foundation known as Stichting Nederland Wordt Beter (NLWB), which is associated with KOZP, is approaching its final month. The foundation has completed its 3 main priorities in its fight against racism in the Netherlands and is set to dissolve after December 5, 2025. "I remember 15 years ago," said co-founder Afriyie, "and about 99% of Dutch people living here not knowing anything about Keti Koti, which remembers the day of slavery in the Netherlands. Now it is a national day, with live radio and TV coverage and a national committee with Black representatives in front of the cameras. Now they discuss in classrooms and schools all about colonialism, slavery and racism; that is big... very big."
Continuing Conversations and Closing Down
KOZP was created to celebrate Sinterklaas in an inclusive world for all. At first, KOZP was a group of demonstrators at parades where there was Zwarte Piet in blackface, with red lips and curly wigs. There was opposition to the demonstrations, but in 2024, there was no Sinterklaas parade at which KOZP needed to demonstrate. This year, the organization encouraged ten more municipalities to take more steps toward inclusivity. "In some who invited us, the only thing you see removed is a little soot, and the caricature is still present," Afriyie stated, "And we more-or-less have a discussion, yet the same resistance is there." KOZP can continue to engage in conversational dialogue, but they can also put measures in place, as needed, for new municipal relationships.
Both KOZP and NLWB will officially end on December 6. "We are not continuing for one more second. After that, the shop is closed," stated the spokesperson. An exhibition opened on Saturday and will run until February 1 to cap its 15-year history, including six smaller exhibitions in six provincial locations to ensure the works can spread across the national community. "It is surreal to reach this point," Afriyie said of the milestone. "Of course, we wanted it to happen sooner; we're proud, which is why we can see it has all been worthwhile."
