About 350 people gathered on Surinameplein in Amsterdam-West on Friday evening to mark the Day of Awareness. At the Monument of Awareness, also known as the Tree of Life, speeches were held and flowers were laid. Among others, Councillor Touria Meliani (Inclusion) gave a speech. According to her, the fact that so many people participated in the commemoration showed "how important this moment is." "Awareness is only the beginning. It's about what you do with it next," the councilwoman said. "We will continue to come here until racism and discrimination are eliminated for good."
On the National Day of Awareness on Friday, June 30, there will be numerous commemorations and activities throughout the country. Also on the day before Keti Koti, on which the Netherlands commemorates and celebrates the abolition of slavery, thousands of free heri heri meals will be handed out.