Amidst the vibrant greenery of Vondelpark stands a figure of immense strength. It’s the Mama Baranka statue. She stands as a powerful symbol against racism and intolerance. The Mama Baranka statue was unveiled in 1985. It serves as a memorial to Kerwin Lucas, a 15-year-old Antillean boy tragically murdered in a racist attack in Amsterdam in 1983. “Mama Baranka” translates to “Mother Rock” in Papiamento. It represents strength and perseverance in Antillean culture. The statue’s rough, tactile form, with its distinctive holes, evokes the rocky landscapes of Curaçao. This design was inspired by the artist’s mother and Hillie Holband, a Surinamese spiritual woman. They embodied the resilience and unwavering spirit that the statue represents. The Mama Baranka statue is not just a memorial. It is a symbol of hope. It’s a reminder of the importance of fighting against injustice and discrimination. Inscribed on the statue’s base is a powerful message. “Let Amsterdam, once a bastion of tolerance, carry on the torch of tolerance.” These words echo the city’s commitment to inclusivity and its condemnation of hate. Every year, on August 20th, a remembrance meeting is held at Dam Square. It honours Kerwin’s memory and reaffirms the ongoing fight against racism. The Mama Baranka statue stands as a silent yet powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. It reminds us of the importance of remembrance, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all.
Royal Tropical Institute
From a colonial museum’s humble start in Haarlem in 1864, the Royal Tropical Institute blossomed in Amsterdam. Its journey began