As part of the annual Keti Koti and Dia di Abolishon commemoration hosted by the civil servants of Amsterdam West, Steven Vreden was invited to contribute to a program that centered not only on remembrance, but on awareness, connection and transformation.
A heartfelt shout-out goes to all the civil servants who came together to create this important gathering. Their commitment to shared history, open dialogue and collective healing made space for something truly meaningful.
Comedian Howard Komproe, who rather than delivering a comedy set challenged the audience with a sharp, insightful quiz. His approach sparked laughter, but also encouraged participants to reflect on how well we truly know the history and meaning behind the day. It was an energizing and thought-provoking lead-in to what followed.
Steven then offered an interactive reflection on the theme ZWART (Black). Rather than providing answers, the session opened up space for questions that challenged the audience to pause and reflect
What do you feel when you hear the word “black”
What do you associate with “white”
What lives behind those feelings
Through spoken examples, visuals and audience participation, the session explored how our associations around “black” are not fixed truths, but shaped by repetition, language and cultural messaging. Attendees openly shared thoughts, stories and contradictions, and conversations sparked across tables, bridging departments, backgrounds and generations.
“Black doesn’t need fixing. It needs remembering.”
The atmosphere of the afternoon was one of respect, insight and celebration. Food was shared, music was played and people danced. But just as importantly, they talked about the power of language, about representation in everyday systems and about how personal and collective stories shape the future.
One participant who offered a particularly moving insight was gifted a signed copy of HIS STORY OF THE WORLD.
This gathering echoes what First Noble stands for. Creating space for reflection, for imagination, and for building new language around Black presence, history and possibility.
We will be sharing more photos and short video fragments soon
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