Discussion: Groningen’s Involvement in a Slavery Past

Join this event to learn about Groningen’s involvement in a slavery past, and participate in a discussion on how historical research is intertwined with social developments and debates in the present.

This discussion will be based on two projects:

1. The presentation of a thoroughly revised and expanded 4th edition of Sporen van het slavernijverleden in Groningen (Traces of the Slavery Past in Groningen, city & region, first edition 2016). In February, this was presented at the Museum aan de A, where the King's Commissioner accepted one of the first copies.

2. The presentation of De Slavernijgeschiedenis van Groningen (The Slavery History of Groningen), focusing on the role of city government. This report contributed to the municipality’s decision to apologize for the role of the city in the slavery past, which will take place on 16 May. Simultaneously, the city council has announced that there will be two monuments commemorating this history of Groningen's involvement in Dutch colonization in different parts of the world.

During this gathering on 6 May, students and staff are invited to join the Research Centre for Historical Studies network to reflect on the significance of such projects both for wider social discussion, and for the kind of knowledge that can enrich academic practice and interdisciplinary collaboration within the university. The role of the University of Groningen, and people connected to the UG will also be discussed. We look forward to a lively discussion following our findings this far.

This event is open to all UG students and staff. Registration is not required.

This event will be held in English, with discussion in English and Dutch.