As part of my research for my book on Social Green, I attended the Dutch Black Scholar and Expert Conference at the International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague. The conference centres Black expertise, highlighting experiences and research.
My book argues that only combining social justice and ecological awareness can solve the climate crisis. Covering 1493 to 2135, it tells the story of social green developments, starting with the first European colony in South America on Hispaniola — a low point in European social and ecological history, marking the domination of people and nature.
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Throughout the conference, the colonial past was a constant presence. I followed many remarkable presentations and learned so much:
–Caribbean artist Amílcar Peter Sanatan opened the conference with a powerful analytical comparison of his travels to Suriname, Curaçao, and Finland, mapping the complex cartographies of being Black in a postcolonial world.
–Richaela Primus presented her research on the agroecological transition in Benin — the process of transforming farming systems from industrial toward ecologically sustainable, socially just agriculture based on principles of biodiversity and local knowledge.
–In her inspiring talk, researcher Ludmila Duncan explored how creativity and knowledge exchange can be used as tools for social development and transformation across the Dutch Caribbean islands.
–Lysanne Charles impressed with her concept of poetry workshops designed to bring together local communities in Sint Maarten with policymakers — fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
–Marvin Hokstam spoke about the founding of the Broos Institute, a pioneering institution for Afrocentric research and education — a foundation that can be seen as an activist act to “transform pain into purpose.” His collaborator, Prof. David Millar, joined live from Ghana to describe how their work aims to fill the gaps left by today’s history books.
–Benjamin Koponen made us reflect on the advantages and focus of Pan-Africanism, as well as its risks.
–Jean Kalenseliko presented her research revealing stereotypical patterns in how people of African descent are portrayed in Austrian media — a study I greatly appreciate as a data journalist.
–Entrepreneur Ruben Brave inspired us with stories of his heroes, forward-thinking activities and his activism: “Urgency is the spark of innovation.”
–Akwasi O. Ansah spoke about his often challenging life journey that led to the founding of Omroep Zwart.
…and finally, singer Maame Joses delighted us with her wonderful voice!
Heartfelt thanks to Daphina Misjidan, and her colleagues Eduardo Campbell-Bethancourt and Daudi van Veen, for organizing such an inspiring and multifaceted conference.
Follow the progress of my research on Social Green on Instagram.
